Bandh call in Punjab: Mohali refuses to shut shops

Police out side open markets during Punjab Band in Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar on Wednesday, September 30 2015. Express photo by Jasbir Malhi

A call by some radical Sikh groups for a statewide shutdown in protest against the exoneration of Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim, remained unsuccessful Wednesday.

In the city, all markets remained opened. In the Phase II market, tension prevailed as members of SAD (A) tried to force the shopkeepers to shut shop. However, the matter was resolved with the intervention of the market association.

The police said nakas were set up at all the entry and exit points of the city to keep a tab on untoward incidents.

The ‘Punjab bandh’ call was given by SAD(A) led by Simranjeet Singh Mann and Damdami Taksal and some other organisations in protest of the exoneration of the Dera chief by Akal Takht Sahib Jathedars.