Jammu, 26 November (IANS). The four-day-long protest against the proposed ropeway project at the Mata Vaishno Devi temple in Reasi’s Katra town was adjourned on Tuesday after talks between the government and the protesters.
Yesterday there was stone pelting during the protest organized by the protesters. There was a clash between the protesters and the security forces.
Reasi Deputy Commissioner Vishesh Mahajan met the protesters and gave them Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha’s assurance that he will look into all the genuine concerns of the protesters, officials said.
Reasi Deputy Commissioner told reporters that the protesters ended their protest after receiving assurances that their concerns over the Katra ropeway project would be addressed.
“I am confident that through mutual respect and discussion we can reach a solution that satisfies all stakeholders,” he said after meeting representatives of the protesters.
The protesters agreed to postpone their strike until 15 December. The protesting shopkeepers and workers are demanding that the ropeway project be stopped or compensation be paid to all those affected by it. SSP Reasi Paramveer Singh, SP Katra Vipan Chandran and representatives of Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board were also present during the talks between DC Reasi and representatives of the protesting stakeholders.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha is also the Chairman of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB).
Speaking to reporters after taking stock of the Tawi Riverfront Project, the Lieutenant Governor said that concerns related to loss of employment were being taken into consideration. However, he said there would be no compromise with development projects and creating adequate employment opportunities for the people.
Earlier on Monday, the march taken out by shopkeepers and laborers against the proposed ropeway project turned violent when some protesters clashed with the police and pelted stones, resulting in the arrest of SHO Katra and his personal security officer (PSO ) suffered minor injuries.
The strike by shopkeepers, pony and palanquin owners began on Friday after the Shrine Board planned to go ahead with the Rs 250 crore passenger ropeway project on a 12-km track between Tarakot Marg to Sanjhi Chhat and complete it within two years. Was announced.
While shopkeepers along the three-kilometre stretch of the track remained closed for the fourth day, pony and palanquin owners also did not turn up, causing trouble to many pilgrims.
–IANS
kr/
