People’s concerns will be taken care of: Sinha
Nishikant Khajuria
KATRA, Nov 25: Four-day long protest against the proposed ropeway project along the Mata Vaishno Devi track was suspended by the agitating local stakeholders after talks with the Government amid Lt Governor Manoj Sinha’s assurance also to look into genuine concerns of the people and an incident of clash between protesters and Police, here today.
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Deputy Commissioner, Reasi, Vishesh Mahajan told the Excelsior that protesters called off their strike after he assured redressal of their concerns over the Katra ropeway project.
“I am confident that through mutual respect and discussion, we can arrive at a solution that satisfies all stakeholders,” he said after meeting with the protesting stakeholders, who agreed to suspend their strike till December 15.
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The protesting shopkeepers and labourers are demanding that the ropeway project be shut down or compensation provided to all those likely to be affected.
During the talks between DC Reasi and representatives of protesting stakeholders, SSP Reasi, Paramveer Singh, SP Katra Vipan Chandran, and a representative of Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board were also present.
Meanwhile, Lt Governor Manoj Sinha also said the genuine concerns of the people protesting against the proposed ropeway project along the Mata Vaishno Devi route would be looked after.
Sinha, who is also the chairman of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB), said a committee headed by the Divisional Commissioner of Jammu had already talked to the stakeholders to build a consensus on the development projects.
Talking to reporters after taking stock of the ongoing Tawi Riverfront project, the Lt Governor said the concerns with regard to loss of employment are being taken care of. However, he added that there would be no compromise with development projects and creating ample employment opportunities for the people.
Earlier in the day, a march by shopkeepers and labourers against the proposed ropeway project took an ugly turn on Monday as some protesters clashed with police and resorted to stone pelting, resulting into minor injuries to SHO Katra and his Personal Security Officer (PSO).
However, the situation was immediately brought under control with deployment of additional forces. Police have taken cognizance of the violence by protesters.
The strike by shopkeepers, and pony and palanquin owners began on Friday after the Shrine Board announced plans to proceed with Rs 250-crore passenger ropeway project between Tarakote Marg to Sanji Chhat along the 12-kilometre track and complete it within two years.
While the shopkeepers up to three kilometres of the trek shut their establishments for the fourth day, the pony and palanquin owners also stayed away causing hardships to many pilgrims.
Even as the agitating shopkeepers and labourers remained peaceful for the first three day, the protest took an ugly turn on Monday and some protesters clashed with police when a CRPF vehicle attempted to pass through the dharna site.
Some protesters turned violent, hitting the vehicle and breaking its windshield. The vehicle was moved back with police intervention, prompting clashes during which some protesters threw bricks on the cops.
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