In no mood to relent, Sikh protesters continue to stage dharnas all over Punjab against series of incidents of sacrilege of their holy scriptures. The multiple road blocks continued on Monday in Muktsar, Moga, Ferozepur and Jalandhar.
A clash was reported between Sikh protesters and shopkeepers in the congested Mai Hira gate area of Jalandhar city when the protesters tried to force closure of some shops. Police intervened to control the situation. Peace marches were also taken out at various places, including Faridkot, Moga, Mansa, Tarn Taran, Sangrur and Bathinda in the State by the Sikh activists.
People, especially the motorists, continued to face inconvenience at various places across Punjab as multiple roadblocks continued to hamper traffic across Punjab. There were reports that protesters, many of them brandishing swords and sticks, tried to damage vehicles at a few places.
The worst affected districts were Moga, Faridkot, Amritsar, Jalandhar, Kapurthala, Ferozepur and Muktsar. In Muktsar, Sikh activists blocked the bridge over the twin Rajasthan and Sirhind feeder canals on Muktsar-Bathinda highway at Bhullar village. Besides, all other main roads were also blocked in the district.
Protest demonstrations were held at Bhullar village, Warring village on Muktsar-Kotkapura road, Bhai Ka Khera village on Malout-Sitto Gunno road, Mahabadhar village on Muktsar-Panniwala road, Kheowali village on Malout-Badal road, and Jandwala village on Malout-Bathinda road.
In Moga, protests were held at more than ten locations, with all major highways in the district blocked. Windowpanes of a minibus were also smashed by the protesters.
The agitation continued in Ferozepur with demonstrations at several locations. Youths brandishing swords were also seen on several roads. Phagwara-Nawanshahr road was blocked at Banga, while 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.