Jammu, Aug 26: The ‘Jammu Bandh’ call evoked a very positive response as most of the main markets and business establishments in the city and other districts observed a complete shutdown.
The call against tax collection at Sarore Toll Plaza as well as smart meters was given by the Chamber of Commerce and Industries (CCI) and was supported by the Congress Party, National Conference (NC), People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Bar Association-Jammu, Yuva Rajput Sabha (YRS) and many other organisations.
People held protest demonstrations at various places across Jammu and also took out rallies demanding suspension of toll collection at Sarore Toll Plaza and release of the YRS members who have been detained and lodged in Kathua jail.
The main markets of Jammu City — Raghunath Bazar, Kanak Mandi, Whare House, Jewel area markets, Gandhi Nagar area markets, Canal Road, Purani Mandi, Jain Bazar, Trikuta Nagar, Bahu Plaza, Jani Pur, Roop Nagar and at many other places across the city — observed almost a complete bandh in support of the call.
However, many schools in Jammu, especially in the city, were functional despite the bandh call and students attended their classes as usual. The public transport vehicles also did not ply as usual on Saturday. However, in the afternoon, public and some public transport vehicles like matadors, autos and buses were seen plying on the roads.
In many other parts of the Jammu region, including Samba, Kathua, Reasi and Udhampur districts, people held protest demonstrations and demanded unconditional release of YRS members, who were detained on Monday during a demonstration demanding the suspension of the toll plaza at Sarore.
The main markets in Samba, Kathua and Udhampur districts wore a deserted look with almost all shops and business establishments closed. However, vehicles were seen plying on roads in these areas.
Police assisted by paramilitary personnel were deployed across Jammu to maintain law and order.
