India, April 14 -- Protests erupted in Jammu and Kashmir's Ramban district after a man allegedly attacked by suspected cow vigilantes went missing, prompting locals to block the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway for several hours on Monday.

Residents gathered at Makerkoot in Ramsoo and staged a blockade that lasted over four hours, demanding information about the whereabouts of Tanveer Ahmad Chopan. Some protesters also alleged that internet speeds were reduced in the area following the demonstrations.

According to locals, Chopan was travelling from Jammu to his village Mundkhal in Pogal on Sunday when he was intercepted by two car-borne assailants. He was transporting a milch cow and two calves, described as his primary source of livelih...