Sikhs burn effigy of controversial sect leader in Amritsar during Punjab Bandh

Amritsar, Dec.7 (ANI): Supporting the public call to observe closure across Punjab, thousands of activists of various Sikhs organizations set ablaze effigy of Ashutosh Maharaj, the controversial sect leader, who heads the Nurmahal-based (near Jalandhar) Divya Jyoti Jagriti Sansthan, on Monday.

Holding placard in their hands, activists raised slogans against Dera chief and the Punjab Government.

It is pertinent to mention that the call for closure was given by the radical Sikh outfits to intensify general protest against the killing of Darshan Singh, a demonstrator in alleged police firing in Ludhiana.

Several educational institutions including the local market remain closed on Monday. However, the essential services were kept outside the purview of the Bandh.

Mohkam Singh, convener Khalsa Action committee alleged Punjab government for the killing of Darshan Singh at Ludhiana. He warned that if government failed to arrest the culprits, responsible for the killing of Darshan Singh, they would intensify their protest.

Sikh protestors during were headed to disrupt a religious and spiritual conference of Ashutosh Maharaj. By Ravinder Singh Robin (ANI)