Cops crack down on those violating curfew

In Ludhiana, while police made grocery stores, chemists shut shop by 2 pm, there was still traffic on the roads. Many youngsters were out on Pakhowal road and even in Model Town area, without helmets.

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In Ludhiana, while police made grocery stores, chemists shut shop by 2 pm, there was still traffic on the roads. (Representational image)

While Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh imposed curfew across the state at 1 pm, people kept coming out on the roads in violation of the orders. Amritsar (Rural) police booked 45 persons for violating curfew order on Monday.

In the Jandiala Guru town of Amritsar district, some shopkeepers opened their shops even after police made them forcibly shut them down. Police registered a case under Section 188, 269 and 34 against the shopkeepers.

Tarn Taran deputy commissioner Pardeep Sabharwal was first to clamp down curfew in district after lockdown didn’t give desired results.

“There has been no relaxation in curfew till next orders. No one can come outside their homes or stand in streets. People should remain inside to protect themselves. Anyone in need can contact district administration,” said the DC.

In Ludhiana, while police made grocery stores, chemists shut shop by 2 pm, there was still traffic on the roads. Many youngsters were out on Pakhowal road and even in Model Town area, without helmets.

While city’s main roads emptied out by evening, there was still moving traffic on roads inside colonies. In Mansa, movement of people from villages towards the city area started in the morning hours, but after announcement of curfew, people were told to turn back.

Gursewak Singh Jawaharke, an Akali leader, said, “I think government offices should also be closed for a week, as many people make a plea that they have some work in a particular government office and hence come on road, this will not end gathering in public offices. In addition to this, what are government employees supposed to do in offices, when private offices, shops, malls are closed. Essential work can be done by employees from home as well.”

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In Bathinda, people who were seen on roads were made to hold a pamphlet that read, ‘Main samaj da dushman haan… main ghar vich nahi rahanga ( I am an enemy of the society, I will not be at my home)’. They were told to hold the A4 size sheet with this message and their pictures were being clicked. SSP Ferozepur Bhupinder Singh said,

“There were many persons who had come on roads in the morning, but we politely told them to go inside, many had even gone to Moga from Ferozepur, hence we gave them ample time to come back to their houses. They should stay back in their houses. It is time for all of them to understand the gravity of problem.”

Kamaldeep Singh Brar

Kamaldeep Singh Brar is a Principal Correspondent at The Indian Express, primarily covering Amritsar and the Majha region of Punjab. He is one of the publication's key reporters for stories involving the Akal Takht, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), and the sensitive socio-political issues of the border districts. Core Beats & Specializations Religious & Panthic Affairs: He has deep expertise in the internal workings of the Akal Takht and SGPC, frequently reporting on religious sentences (Tankhah), Panthic politics, and the influence of Sikh institutions. National Security & Crime: His reporting covers cross-border drug smuggling, drone activities from Pakistan, and the activities of radical groups. Regional Politics: He is the primary correspondent for the Majha belt, covering elections and political shifts in Amritsar, Tarn Taran, and Gurdaspur. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) His work in late 2025 has been centered on judicial developments, local body elections, and religious controversies: 1. Religious Politics & Akal Takht "Akal Takht pronounces religious sentences against former Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh" (Dec 8, 2025): Covering the historic decision to hold the former Jathedar guilty for granting a pardon to Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim in 2015. "YouTube suspends SGPC’s channel for a week over video on 1984 Army action" (Nov 20, 2025): Reporting on the digital friction between global tech platforms and Sikh religious bodies. "As AAP govt grants Amritsar holy tag, a look at its fraught demand" (Nov 28, 2025): An analytical piece on the long-standing demand for declaring Amritsar a "holy city" and its political implications. 2. Crime & National Security "Mostly Khalistanis on Amritpal’s hit list: Punjab govt to High Court" (Dec 16, 2025): Reporting on the state government's claims regarding jailed MP Amritpal Singh orchestrating activity from prison. "Punjab man with links to Pakistan’s ISI handlers killed in encounter" (Nov 20, 2025): Detailing a police operation in Amritsar involving "newly refurbished" firearms likely sent from across the border. "15 schools in Amritsar get bomb threat emails; police launch probe" (Dec 12, 2025): Covering the panic and police response to mass threats against educational institutions. 3. Political Analysis & Elections "AAP wins 12 of 15 zones in SAD stronghold Majitha" (Dec 19, 2025): Highlighting a significant shift in the 2025 rural elections where the Akali Dal lost its grip on a traditional fortress. "Tarn Taran bypoll: woman faces threats after complaining to CM Mann about drug menace" (Nov 9, 2025): A ground report on the personal risks faced by citizens speaking out against the illegal drug trade in border villages. "AAP wins Tarn Taran bypoll, but SAD finds silver lining" (Nov 14, 2025): Analyzing the 2025 assembly by-election results and the surprising performance of Independents backed by radical factions. 4. Human Interest "Two couples and a baby: Punjab drug addiction tragedy has new victims" (Nov 20, 2025): A tragic investigative piece about parents selling an infant to fund their addiction. "Kashmiri women artisans debut at Amritsar’s PITEX" (Dec 8, 2025): A feature on financial independence initiatives for rural women at the Punjab International Trade Expo. Signature Beat Kamaldeep is known for his nuanced understanding of border dynamics. His reporting often highlights the "drug crisis in the underprivileged localities" (like Muradpur in Tarn Taran, Nov 9, 2025), providing a voice to marginalized communities affected by addiction and administrative neglect. X (Twitter): @kamalsbrar ... Read More