Malwa remains on the edge, residents observe ‘black’ Diwali

Sikh activists take out a protest march, hold black flags and appeal to people to observe ‘black’ Diwali at Gurusar village in Muktsar district on Wednesday. Tribune photograph

Archit Watts

Tribune News Service

Muktsar, November 12

The announcement by radical Sikh organisations to observe “black” Diwali had its effect in Malwa region. Activists carried out protest march in rural areas, holding black flags and urging people to “black” Diwali this year.

A huge protest was witnessed at Gurusar village, falling in Gidderbaha sub-division yesterday. A large number of residents took out a march in support of the radicals’ call.

The protesters said the recent incidents of desecration of Guru Granth Sahib had hurt their religious sentiments and it was not appropriate for them to celebrate Diwali this year.

Festivities were missing in a major part of Muktsar district. Some people had even put up black flags atop their houses. There was complete darkness in some villages and not even a single lamp was found lit anywhere.

Even in urban areas, where on an average five of total 10 houses in every street were lit up during Diwali every year, just one or two houses were seen illuminated.

Courtesy: The Tribune