Bandh: Bus operators fear attacks,trucks off roads

In Muktsar region,traders have been informed by their suppliers that no fresh supplies will arrive on Tuesday. Prithivi Raj Sharma,president of Ludhiana Transport Welfare Association,said,“We have decided to suspend truck movement during the day on Tuesday. The trucks will either be sent late in the evening or the next day,as we cannot afford any risk. But our booking counters will remain open.”

The administration is also gearing up for the bandh. Kamal Kishore Yadav,Deputy Commissioner,Ferozepur,said,“Twelve duty magistrates will be available in their respective areas to oversee the law and order situation. Extra police personnel have also been deployed in the busy markets,at the bus stands and railway station.” Ludhiana DC Vikas Garg too said the administration had made adequate arrangements.

Meanwhile,the Punjab Pradesh Beopar Mandal has left it to the traders to decide whether to take part in the bandh or not. So far,the opinion among shopkeepers remains divided. Members of Muktsar Beopar Mandal said they would open their shops tomorrow and would down shutters only if the need arises.

Mohinder Aggarwal,General Secretary,Ludhiana Beopar Mandal,however,said,“The market associations are free to take a call on the issue. But having seen the recent attacks and curfews in the state,the residents in general are tense and most of them want to take precautionary measures.”

Auto unions too remain divided over the issue. Madan Lal,president of Ludhiana Auto Union Association,said,“More than 30,000 autos run in this city. So far we have not decided to shut down our operations on Tuesday.”

Even industrialists have decided to open their units on Tuesday.

Meanwhile,Akhil Bhartiya Shiv Sena’s state president Baljit Jassian criticised the Sikh bodies’ call for a bandh.