Vaishno Devi ropeway protests turn violent in J&K, cop injured in clash

Clashes erupted in Katra on Monday as shopkeepers and pony owners protested a proposed ropeway project at the Vaishno Devi shrine. Police intervened, resulting in one officer’s injury. The Shrine Board, chaired by Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha, affirmed the project’s continuation while assuring consideration of stakeholder concerns. Protests began on Nov 22 after the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board announced to proceed with its Rs 250-crore project between Tarakote Marg and Sanji Chhat.