Amritsar, September 7: All markets and some schools in the city remained closed on Saturday on a call given by Valmiki organisations. They have been protesting against the telecast of serial ‘Ram Siya Ke’.
Police had enhanced the security cover to meet any untoward incident.
Police personnel with anti-riot gear and vehicles were deployed at key areas. Some roads were blocked for vehicular traffic, especially, the one leading to Bhandari railway overbridge where the leaders of the community are addressing a meeting.
The serial was banned by DC Shivdular Singh Dhillon on Friday.
Groups of youths were seen riding motorcycles to enforce closure of shops. Police vehicles were seen following them to keep a watch over their activities. Some youths were seen brandishing swords, baseball bats and sticks.
No untoward incident was reported. But the impact of the strike was near total.
Commercial markets of the city like jewellery, shawls and textiles were closed.
Tension in Fazilka as traders, Valmikis clash
Fazilka: Tension prevailed in Fazilka as Valmiki community members and traders clashed during the bandh call.
A man was injured and had to be hospitalised as the community members pelted traders with stones. The goods of a grocery shop were thrown on the road by the protesters.
As a protest, traders announced to shut their business establishments for an indefinite period, and met Fazilka DC and SSP, demanding the registration of an FIR against the assailants.
