Desecration of Sikh holy book: Strike disrupts life in Indian Punjab
At least 150 protesters were taken into custody when they tried to hold a demonstration in Ludhiana
At least 150 protesters were taken into custody when they tried to hold a demonstration in Ludhiana. PHOTO: AFP
Commercial and other establishments in several areas of Indian Punjab remained shut and transport services disrupted on Thursday following a shutter-down strike called by some Sikh organisations to protest against the desecration of their holy book.
Officials said that an uneasy calm prevailed in parts of the state where activists held protests and blocked roads. At least 150 protesters were taken into custody when they tried to hold a demonstration in Ludhiana, Indian media reported.
On Wednesday, two persons were killed and over 70 others were injured after bloody clashes broke out between police and Sikh protesters in Punjab’s Faridkot, Moga and Sangrur districts.
Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal ordered a judicial probe into the sacrilege of the Sikh holy book, Guru Granth Sahib, and the violence later.
Earlier, Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal announced a Rs1 million reward to anyone giving information about those involved in the desecration of Guru Granth Sahib at Bargari village in Faridkot district.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 16th, 2015.