Indian police used brute force on people, protesting against the Vaishno Devi Temple chairlift project in Katra area of Reasi district in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, and arrested several protesters.  According to Kashmir Media Service, shopkeepers, hotel owners and other people belonging to the business community of Katra went on strike and staged a massive protest against the project. When the police tried to stop the protesters, a clash broke out.

The police lathicharged the protesters and arrested several demonstrators. The Chatra Sangharsh Samiti has announced a 72-hour strike against the project. A spokesperson for the Samiti said the chairlift project will severely affect the business community, whose livelihood depends on the pilgrims. The administration has prepared a chairlift project to reach the Vishnu Vivi Temple in the area, against which the people of the area, especially the business community, are protesting strongly.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)