Moga Incident Highlights Intensity of Punjab Bandh Protests

MOGA: The Punjab bandh, called in protest against the Manipur violence , took a violent turn as shots were fired in Moga during clashes between protestors and a shopkeeper. The incident occurred when protestors attempted to forcibly close down a mobile shop. A verbal altercation ensued, culminating in the shopkeeper firing a shot, injuring a protester identified as Nihang Singh. The wounded Nihang Singh has been promptly transported to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. The situation further escalated as protestors blocked Kot Ise Khan Chowk in response to the firing. Punjab Police swiftly arrived on the scene following the incident.

The bandh was jointly organized by the Valmiki, Ravidasiya, and Christian communities. The widespread impact of the bandh was evident with government schools and colleges across several regions remaining shuttered in accordance with the protest call. Additionally, private schools were closed in order to ensure the safety of students.

The effects of the bandh were felt keenly in Jalandhar, Barnala, and Gurdaspur. Notably, Jalandhar's major markets remained deserted, mirroring the widespread support for the bandh. Demonstrators in Jalandhar took their agitation a step further by briefly blocking the Jalandhar-Delhi highway, causing a ten-minute disruption. The bandh organizers emphasized their commitment to peaceful protest, clarifying that essential services such as medical facilities were exempted from the protest.