Roadblocks, tension continue in Punjab

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, October 19

The Sikh protests over desecration of ‘birs’ of Guru Granth Sahib refused to die down on Monday with multiple road blocks continuing in Muktsar, Moga, Ferozepur and Jalandhar districts. There was also a clash between shopkeepers and protesters who were forcing them to close.

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In Muktsar, Sikh activists blocked the bridge over the twin Rajasthan and Sirhind feeder canals on the Muktsar-Bathinda highway at Bhullar village. Besides, all other main roads were also blocked in the district. Protest demonstrations were held at Bhullar viallge; Warring village on the Muktsar-Kotkapura road; Bhai Ka Khera village on the Malout-Sitto Gunno road; Mahabadhar village on the Muktsar-Panniwala road; Kheowali village on the Malout-Badal road; and Jandwala village on the Malout-Bathinda road.

In Moga, protests were held at more than 10 locations, with all major highways in the district blocked. Windowpanes of a minibus were also smashed by protesters.

The agitation continued in Ferozepur with demonstrations at several locations. The Ferozepur-Moga highway was blocked near octroi post no. 7. Youths brandishing swords were seen on several roads.

('Granthi' among 2 held for sacrilege incidents in Amritsar, Ludhiana)

The Phagwara-Nawanshahr road was blocked at Banga, while the Jalandhar-Hoshiarpur road also closed at Adampur.

In Jalandhar, protesters brandishing swords attempted to force shopkeepers at Mai Heera Gate to close, but were resisted by the shopkeepers. A clash led to tension in the area, and additional police forces were called in. An ATM was also smashed and the guard attacked in the market.

Protesters blocked roads at PAP Chowk, Chaheru bridge and Kapurthala Chowk, blocking all major connections from Jalandhar to Amritsar, Phagwara and Kapurthala. Most schools and markets remained shut.

Meanwhile, SGPC member Surinder Singh from Anandpur Sahib has resigned from the protest.

In Delhi, the Congress accused the Akali Dal-led government in Punjab of being behind the incidents of desecration of the holy book. Congress spokesperson Shakeel Ahmad and Punjab Congress chief Partap Singh Bajwa have sought the President's rule in Punjab.

Don’t hold ‘Akhand Path’ on roadside: Akal Takht 

Meanwhile, against the backdrop of protests over alleged incidents of sacrilege, Akal Takht head Gurbachan Singh on Monday urged Sikhs not to hold ‘Akhand Path’ (recitation of hymns) of Guru Granth Sahib on roadside, saying it was “against ethics and customs” of the religion.

“They (Sikh protesters) should take care of customs. Hygiene cannot be expected on roadsides... giving proper respect to Guru Granth Sahib is utmost important," he said in a statement issued in Amritsar. — With PTI inputs