Complete ''bandh'' hits normal life in Jammu

Jammu, May 22 (UNI) Almost all the business establishments remained closed today as Jammu observed a complete ''bandh'', called by various Sikh organisations against the alleged ''blasphemous'' act of Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh.

Protestors were seen burning rubber tyres on the Jammu-Pathankote-Delhi national highway (NH 1A) and blocking traffic movements through the city routes.

All educational institutions and shops remained closed for the day and public transport was off the roads while 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 a demonstration at the Gurudwara Digana Ashram, Shri Kalgi Sahib Rehari Chowk and many 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