Ambaji observes Bandh as traders, taxi drivers demand action against anti-social elements

Ambaji: The entire market in the temple town of Ambaji witnessed a bandh today. The traders kept their shops and businesses closed in protest against the harassment from anti-social elements. Along with the traders, around 200 taxi drivers in the temple town also participated in the bandh and did not operate their taxis today.

The anti-social elements have been harassing the traders and locals. In a recent incident on July 29, group of miscreants pelted stones at the Mahalakshmi Medical Store belonging to Jitubhai Patel, a relative of Gujarat Government Health Minister Rishikesh Patel. The police have managed to apprehend only two of them, while the other two are still at large. Additionally, there has been outrage over the frequent incidents of bike thefts, mobile phone thefts, and burglaries in the area.

The market remained closed since the early morning, and a large number of traders took out a rally toward the local police station in protest. A memorandum has been submitted to the police demanding security for the entire town, and the Ambaji police have assured the villagers about security and law and order in Ambaji.

It is noteworthy that the bandh coincides with a meeting scheduled for today regarding the Bhadravi Poonam celebrations.

In response to these incidents, District Police Chief Akshay Raj Makwana stated that additional arrangements will be made beyond those at other police stations. Patrols will be increased with mounted police, and more police checkpoints will be established in Ambaji. Following the incident on July 29, two suspects have been arrested by the police.

A local businessman told the media, “We expect the police to support us, and this harassment should stop. It is the police’s responsibility to safeguard the visiting devotees and the local people. If we do not find a solution to this problem, we will also approach Gandhinagar.”

Another businessman, Yogesh Joshi, who was with other traders gathered at Maansarovar in Ambaji, said,”Lakhs of people come here from far and wide. Until now, those visitors felt safe, but the situation has changed to the point where even the locals living in Ambaji do not feel secure. Some anti-social elements have been looting the roads of Ambaji for the last three to four months. Nowadays, incidents of stone-pelting, stabbing, and looting have become common. If such elements have entered the shops today, tomorrow they could reach someone’s home. The police do not take any action. How long will this continue? If no action is taken, it is uncertain how many days Ambaji will remain under lockdown. We will continue this movement until we achieve security.” DeshGujarat