Chandigarh: The day-long
bandh called by various Sikh organizations to protest the scheduled
execution of Balwant Singh Rajoana, convicted in the Beant Singh killing
case, disrupted normal life in parts of Punjab on Wednesday.
According to reports, the call for bandh evoked a total response in
Patiala city where Rajoana is lodged in the local Central Jail awaiting
his execution on March 31 as per the orders of the Chandigarh Sessions
Court.
The situation in the industrial town of Ludhiana was peaceful.
Restaurants and eating houses were open while commercial establishments
in some markets were partially open.
In Phagwara, the bandh was complete in the city located on the Delhi
Jalandhar National Highway. Road traffic was plying normally though the
number of passengers using public
transport was few.
Section of Sikhs took to streets in some areas carrying flags as security personnel patrolled sensitive areas to maintain peace.
Hardliners Dal Khalsa, Khalsa Action Committee and Khalra Mission
organisation have urged the Sikh community to voluntary shut down their
business establishments and observe
the day-long bandh peacefully.
Nearly 60,000 Punjab police personnel and 15 companies of para-military
forces have been deployed to avoid any untoward incident ahead of
Rajoana’s execution.
The state government has clamped prohibitory orders under Section 144
banning assembly of five or more persons were at various places in view
of the bandh.
Besides, the security around the Patiala Central Jail, where Rajoana is
lodged, has also been beefed up and additional security check points
have been erected to restrict the entry of those going towards the
prison side.
Security forces have been conducting flag marches at key locations in
the state to instill sense of confidence among the people. Special
control rooms have been set up in the districts
to keep an eye on the movement of protestors.
Trade and industry leaders had yesterday asked the Punjab Government to ensure peace and tranquility in the state in the wake of the bandh call.