Chandigarh/Punjab. The Punjab bandh called on Friday, August 21 on the call of Qaumi Insaaf Morcha for various demands including the release of captive Singhs, had a widespread impact in many districts. Market shutters remained closed in Jalandhar, Muktsar, Mohali, Amritsar and other cities, while bus and public transport services were affected at many places. In view of the bandh, the police have deployed heavy security forces in sensitive areas.
Widespread impact of bandh in Jalandhar-
The impact of the bandh was clearly visible in Jalandhar. Activists of Sikh organizations staged a protest at many places including Guru Nanak Mission Chowk. There was silence in the markets and major roads also. Police forces have been deployed at major markets and intersections to prevent any untoward incident.
Markets remained completely closed in Muktsar-
The bandh had a widespread impact in Muktsar. Activities in schools, colleges, markets, commercial institutions and highways were affected. Buses did not depart from the bus stand on any route. However, medical stores and some shops dealing with essential goods remained open.
Emergency services such as ambulances, hospitals and fire brigades continued as normal. Despite road traffic being affected, rail services remained smooth. The police administration has made strict security arrangements in the city.
Bus operations halted in Mohali-
The widespread impact of the Punjab Bandh was seen in Mohali also. The operation of government and private buses was completely affected at Mohali bus stand, due to which passengers had to face problems.
According to DSP Harsimran Singh Bal, about 1,500 policemen have been deployed at different places in Mohali in view of security arrangements. Police teams are continuously monitoring the situation.
Morcha supporters demonstrated by blocking the road at the main light point of Phase-7 and 8. Along with keeping an eye on mischievous elements, the police have appealed to the people to maintain peace and not pay attention to rumours.
Mixed effect in Kotkapura-
Mixed effect of the bandh was seen in Kotkapura. Shops remained closed in most markets of the city, but vehicular movement continued on the roads. People faced problems as transport services were affected.
Sikh organizations raised slogans at Battianwala Chowk demanding the release of the captive Singhs. The protesters raised demands like granting five days parole to Bhai Jagtar Singh Hawara, releasing the captive Singhs who have completed their sentence and canceling the cases registered against other Sikh leaders including MP Amritpal Singh Khalsa.
Sikh organizations came out to close the market in Amritsar-
Workers of various Sikh organizations gathered at Bhandari Bridge in Amritsar on Friday morning. After talking to the police officers, representatives of the organization proceeded to different markets and called for a bandh.
During this, the workers raised slogans demanding the release of the captive Sikhs. In view of the bandh, deployment of police force has been increased at sensitive places in Amritsar.
Mixed effect of bandh in Ludhiana-
The effect of the bandh in Ludhiana was different in different areas. Keeping in mind the safety of children, many private schools declared holiday, while some schools and colleges remained open. Even in government schools, the attendance of students was less than normal.
Police forces have been deployed at Clock Tower, Chowda Bazaar and major intersections. Shops remained closed in many markets, while at some places shopkeepers took stock of the situation by opening half the shutters.
Not much effect seen in Chandigarh-
Punjab Bandh did not have any significant impact in Chandigarh. Although shops remained closed and public transport affected in Zirakpur and Mohali areas, life appeared normal in Chandigarh.
Police have blocked the main entry road from Zirakpur to Chandigarh and security arrangements have been kept tight.
Markets and banks open in Khanna-
The impact of the bandh in Khanna was relatively less. Markets started opening here and banks also remained open normally. Compared to other cities, life here appeared normal.
The administration has strengthened security arrangements to maintain law and order across Punjab. Police are continuously patrolling sensitive areas and extra vigilance is being taken to prevent any untoward incident during the protest.