‘Padyatra’ effect: Tourists heading to Golden Temple bear the brunt

Tourists heading to the Golden Temple were a harassed lot as they had to walk with bag and baggage to the shrine after the police closed all the main roads, leading to the Jallianwala Bagh where Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria was present to conclude his six-day Padyatra for raising awareness against drugs. The historic Bagh is situated just a few yards away from the Golden Temple.

Harbhajan Singh, a pilgrim from Ludhiana, said he along with his family arrived here in a vehicle to pay obeisance at the shrine. Their vehicle was stopped at the Sheran Wala Gate and was not allowed to move ahead. The next crossing is of Dharam Singh Market where both in and out gates to the parking lot was situated. Besides, the Jallianwala Bagh and the Golden Temple are situated at a walking distance from the market. In the scorching heat, they had to walk the distance on foot causing them immense trouble as they had to carry along the luggage. He said his family visits the holiest temple for Sikhs every month. This time the journey became arduous due to strict police bandobast.

The police had installed barricades all along major roads leading to the Golden Temple. These roads include Ghee Mandi Chowk, Shera Wala Gate and Ram Bagh where two routes through Katra Parja and Gol Hatti Chowk are situated.

Unlike normal days when one struggles to find a place on the footpaths along the roads leading to the Golden Temple due to rampant encroachments, they wore a deserted look on Tuesday. Thanks to high security in place in the area, police personnel got the encroachments removed.

Shamsher Singh, another tourist who had come from Mukerian in Hoshiarpur, said those tourists who come from far-flung areas were in a shock after finding strict security arrangements in place. “My old parents who were frail due to long illness found it difficult to commute over the road in the blistering heat. After reaching the shrine, they found the battery-operated golf carts which helped them during their return journey,” he added.

Amritsar