Amritsar: Commercial activity across Amritsar remained largely affected on Friday as most markets stayed closed in response to a bandh call issued by Dal Khalsa to mark Ghallughara Day, observed in memory of those who lost their lives during the June 1984 military operation at the Golden Temple complex.
Members of Dal Khalsa took out a march through Hall Gate Bazaar and appealed to shopkeepers and traders to support the shutdown. However, many business establishments had already downed shutters in advance, leading to a near-complete closure of several key markets in the city.
Addressing the media, Dal Khalsa leader Paramjit Singh said the events of June 1984 continue to hold deep emotional significance for the Sikh community. He stated that Sikhs across the world observe the anniversary each year to remember those who died during the operation and to reflect on its lasting impact on the community.
According to Paramjit Singh, the organisation follows a tradition of holding a march on June 5 and observing a bandh on June 6 as a tribute to the victims. He said Dal Khalsa had been reaching out to traders and residents over the past several days to seek support for the observance and received a positive response from the public.
He noted that essential services, including hospitals, pharmacies and emergency facilities, were exempted from the shutdown to ensure that residents did not face any inconvenience during the observance.
Referring to the message delivered earlier from Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Paramjit Singh said it not only paid tribute to those who died in 1984 but also addressed current issues concerning the Sikh community and emphasised the need for Panthic unity.
Meanwhile, security remained tight across Amritsar throughout the day. Punjab Police deployed additional personnel at sensitive locations, major intersections and market areas to maintain law and order and ensure that the bandh remained peaceful.
Police officials said the shutdown passed without any untoward incident and that traders largely cooperated with the observance. Authorities confirmed that peace prevailed across the city and normalcy was maintained despite the widespread closure of markets.
