Complete 'bandh' hits life in Jammu
Jammu, May 22: Normal life was hit here today as the city observed a complete ''bandh'', called by several Sikh organisations against the alleged ''blasphemous'' activities of Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh.
Business establishments, educational institutions and shops remained closed and public transport was off the roads.
Protestors were seen burning rubber tyres on the Jammu-Pathankote-Delhi national highway (NH 1A) and blocking traffic on the city's routes. A large number of people were seen walking on the roadsides.
Many political parties, including the BJP and Jammu and Kashmir National Panthers party, had supported the ''bandh'' call.
Hundreds of Sikhs, raising slogans against the Dera Sacha Sauda chief, burnt his effigy and demanded action against him.
They also took out a procession to the Satwari chowk and staged demonstrations at the Gurudwara Digana Ashram, Shri Kalgi Sahib Rehari Chowk and several other places in the city.
Inspector General of Police (Jammu) S P Vaid told UNI that an adequate number of police personnel were deployed in the city to keep the situation under control. ''Till this time, the bandh is peaceful,'' he said.
Punjab also came to a standstill as normal life was thrown out of gear due to the state-wide 'bandh' called by the Akal Takht following reports that the Dera chief had donned the attire of the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, at a public function at the Dera Salabatpura in Bathinda.
UNI
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