Karachi, In the Reasi district of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, the town of Katra observed a complete shutdown in response to the authorities’ anti-people policies, particularly against a proposed ropeway project. Meanwhile, in Budgam’s Magam area, residents protested against a severe water crisis.

According to Kashmir Media Service, the shutdown in Katra, which is the base camp for pilgrims visiting the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine, was a reaction to the proposed construction of a ropeway in the area. Local shopkeepers and other stakeholders, concerned about the potential impact of the ropeway on their livelihoods, staged a protest rally. They fear the project could render them jobless and are also worried about the ongoing work on the Delhi-Katra Expressway, which they believe might marginalize the historic town of Katra.

The protest in Katra concluded with a sit-in outside the shrine board office. A group of protesters met with officials and dispersed peacefully after receiving assurances of a second meeting next month to address their concerns before the project’s commencement.

In a separate incident in Budgam, residents of Magam took to the streets to protest against a 17-day water crisis. The demonstration was directed at the Jal Shakti Department, responsible for water supply, which the residents accuse of failing to provide regular drinking water. Protesters gathered at the premises of the Jal Shakti Department in Handwara Division, voicing their dissatisfaction with what they perceive as the department’s inefficiency in addressing the prolonged water scarcity.

These events reflect growing public discontent with infrastructure projects and basic service delivery in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, highlighting the tensions between local communities and authorities in the region.