G ujarat bandh call given by the Congress evoked mixed response in the State on Friday. Barring scatter incidents of stone-pelting, bandh remained peaceful. Police detained more than 1,300 people trying to enforce shutdown. The Gujarat Congress had called for bandh demanding resignation of Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi in the wake of suspended cop DG Vanzara’s controversial resignation letter.
Except Congress-dominated areas in the State, shops and other commercial establishment remained open. Incidents of Congress workers and leaders coming out on streets to enforce shutdown were registered across the State. According to police, Congress supporters tried to stop trains and buses in parts of the State, but due to adequate security measures, public transport services remained available.
“Effects of bandh were witnessed at all district headquarters up to late in the morning. After 1 pm markets started opening,” said sources. Overall Gujarat Police was able to maintain tight security to prevent any untoward incident.
Most educational institutions in the State functioned as usual. Some Congress workers tried to close down schools and colleges in Ahmedabad and other cities. Even incidents of stone-pelting on school buses have reported. “Police, however, detained them in time and as a result of it, students could attend classes,” said a senior police official.
In order to maintain law and order situation, Gujarat Police activated 60,000 personnel in the State. Besides, 24 State Reserve Police Force (SRPF) and six Rapid Action Force (RAF) battalions were deployed to support police personnel. Even Crime Branch personnel across the State were alerted to keep vigil in specific areas.