Bathinda turns into police fortress for CM Bhagwant Mann’s 'Shukrana Yatra'

Tight security arrangements have been put in place across Bathinda as Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s 'Shukrana Yatra' entered the city on Thursday night. The Chief Minister is scheduled to proceed to Mansa and Barnala districts today after paying obeisance at Takht Sri Damdama Sahib at Talwandi Sabo here.

Heavy deployment of police personnel was witnessed at key locations across the city, with several check-points established to regulate movement and ensure security during the 'yatra'. Some intersections are partially closed or diverted, leading to traffic congestion in some areas.

Police officials said elaborate security arrangements had been made in view of the Chief Minister’s visit. Barricades have been installed at sensitive points.

The 'yatra' is scheduled to begin from teen koni chowk here. After the flag-off, it will halt at Amrik Singh Road, then at Kot Shamir village and Bhagi Wander village. Thereafter, the 'yatra' will reach Takht Damdama Sahib at Talwandi Sabo.

Meanwhile, Bharti Kisan Union (Ekta Sidhupur) has already announced to lodge a protest at Kot Shamir village today.

The CM is taking out this 'yatra', thanking God for the enactment of the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act, describing it as a "historic step".

He started the four-day 'yatra' from Anandpur Sahib on Wednesday. He will criss-cross a large part of the state before concluding the gratitude journey at Fatehgarh Sahib on Saturday.