PUNJAB BANDH GETS STRONG RESPONSE IN FEROZEPUR

Vikram Ditya Sharma/Ferozepur

Markets, private schools and several business establishments remained closed across Ferozepur district on Thursday in response to the Punjab bandh call given by the Qaumi Insaaf Morcha for the release of Sikh prisoners who have completed their sentences.

The bandh remained peaceful and no untoward incident was reported from anywhere in the district. Protesters blocked Octroi No. 7, a key exit point towards Zira and Ludhiana, disrupting traffic and raising slogans against the government. Public transport services also remained suspended, leaving several passengers stranded.

Government offices and institutions functioned normally, while private schools remained closed. In Zira and Guruharsahai too, markets remained shut and the bandh passed off peacefully.

Lakhbir Singh Mahalam of the Qaumi Insaaf Morcha said people across the district had extended full support to the bandh.

SSP Bhupinder Singh said adequate security arrangements had been made across the district and no untoward incident was reported.Gurcharan Singh Bhullar

Meanwhile President SAD (A) and member of “Panthak Talmel Committee” appealed to the Centre and Punjab governments to immediately release Sikh prisoners who, have spent nearly 30 years in jail. He also demanded withdrawal of cases registered against those who participated in the “Qaumi Insaaf Morcha protests” in Chandigarh on August 15, alleging that protesters were subjected to a lathi charge and drone attacks. He further called for strict measures to improve law and order, curb drug abuse among youth and stop incidents of robbery, snatching and killings in the state.