Jaipur: Tensions stemming from the fatal beating of an 18-year-old youth and the ensuing protests caused panic among local shopkeepers and traders in Walled City areas on Saturday.
According to Kamal Kishore, a member of Purohit ji ka Katla’s market association, several miscreants entered the crowded market alleys and began throwing items from the garment shops, causing panic among both customers and shopkeepers.
“We had never witnessed such scenes before. The miscreants were armed with sticks and sowed fear and panic. Many female customers were visibly frightened, prompting us to close our shops,” he said, adding many had to seek shelter in a temple.
While the police did not implement any curfew or restrictions, numerous people found themselves unprepared. As protests intensified following the death, the police cordoned off Ramganj Bazaar, and an eerie silence descended upon the bustling markets of Johari Bazaar, Kishanpole, and Hawala Mahal. Shopkeepers promptly closed their shutters, leading to a shutdown, while traffic in areas around Ramniwas Bagh, Bapu Bazaar, and Sanganeri Gate came to a standstill. Police officials stated that they had anticipated potential tensions escalating on Saturday and had therefore deployed sufficient forces in the walled city to prevent any untoward situations.
“People had been gathering since Friday night as news of the incident began to circulate on social media,” said an official.
Around 12pm, as news spread on social media and many people tuned in to television reports about tensions in the walled city, several began to wonder if a curfew would be imposed and whether internet services would continue or not. The police, however, mentioned that the situation had not yet reached a stage where strict measures needed to be employed.
“Our focus was to contain the situation and pacify the protestors and for that deployment was increased as per the requirement,” added an official.
Despite police’s claims, many were not happy with the measures. One tourist, Saksham Khandelwal said that he had come to visit Hawa Mahal and to explore the local market, but everything was closed.
“We had no idea of situation escalating when we left the hotel in the morning. It was only in the afternoon when i reached the iconic Hawa Mahal that i found markets were deserted and police was everywhere. The authorities should have warned us before,” he said.
Meanwhile, in areas such as Bapu Bazar, the tension had little impact, as shoppers continued to visit the market until late afternoon.
According to Kamal Kishore, a member of Purohit ji ka Katla’s market association, several miscreants entered the crowded market alleys and began throwing items from the garment shops, causing panic among both customers and shopkeepers.
“We had never witnessed such scenes before. The miscreants were armed with sticks and sowed fear and panic. Many female customers were visibly frightened, prompting us to close our shops,” he said, adding many had to seek shelter in a temple.
While the police did not implement any curfew or restrictions, numerous people found themselves unprepared. As protests intensified following the death, the police cordoned off Ramganj Bazaar, and an eerie silence descended upon the bustling markets of Johari Bazaar, Kishanpole, and Hawala Mahal. Shopkeepers promptly closed their shutters, leading to a shutdown, while traffic in areas around Ramniwas Bagh, Bapu Bazaar, and Sanganeri Gate came to a standstill. Police officials stated that they had anticipated potential tensions escalating on Saturday and had therefore deployed sufficient forces in the walled city to prevent any untoward situations.
“People had been gathering since Friday night as news of the incident began to circulate on social media,” said an official.
Around 12pm, as news spread on social media and many people tuned in to television reports about tensions in the walled city, several began to wonder if a curfew would be imposed and whether internet services would continue or not. The police, however, mentioned that the situation had not yet reached a stage where strict measures needed to be employed.
“Our focus was to contain the situation and pacify the protestors and for that deployment was increased as per the requirement,” added an official.
Despite police’s claims, many were not happy with the measures. One tourist, Saksham Khandelwal said that he had come to visit Hawa Mahal and to explore the local market, but everything was closed.
“We had no idea of situation escalating when we left the hotel in the morning. It was only in the afternoon when i reached the iconic Hawa Mahal that i found markets were deserted and police was everywhere. The authorities should have warned us before,” he said.
Meanwhile, in areas such as Bapu Bazar, the tension had little impact, as shoppers continued to visit the market until late afternoon.
