Bhatkal: A historic shutdown was observed today in Bhatkal, demanding the immediate arrest of Yati Narsinghanand Saraswati under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) for his blasphemous remarks against Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The town saw a complete shutdown, with all shops, businesses, schools, and colleges remaining closed. In response to a call for protest by the local social body, Majlis-e-Islah-o-Tanzeem, residents stayed indoors, ensuring the bandh's success without stepping out unnecessarily.
Key commercial areas such as Main Road, Chowk Bazaar, Mohammed Ali Road, Car Street, Sultan Street, Farooqi Street, Shamsuddin Circle, Bunder Road, Sagar Road, Nawayat Colony, Madina Colony, Jali Road, Jamiabad Road, and Umar Street remained completely shut. Although a few shops belonging to non-Muslims were open in some areas, the shutdown was overwhelmingly observed. Similarly, in Murdeshwar, businesses in Nawayat Keri, National Road, and Noor Colony were closed, with local Muslims heeding Tanzeem's call and expressing their deep love and reverence for Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
The neighboring village of Manki also joined the protest, where Muslims shut down all their shops and businesses in areas like Nawayat Mohalla, Halematt Road, Usmania Street, Bazaar Road, and Basha Colony.
While the Old Fish Market in Bhatkal remained open, the absence of buyers left fish vendors waiting for customers. Muslim rickshaw drivers also participated in the protest by suspending their services for the day, while those rickshaws seen on the roads had no passengers.
Typically busy markets and streets, which are usually bustling with activity and heavy traffic, were deserted today. The bandh brought the entire town’s system to a standstill, with minimal traffic even on the National Highway and the town’s inner roads.
A striking scene unfolded at Bhatkal's popular tourist spot, Jali Beach. Normally crowded with visitors in the evening, the beach was eerily quiet, resembling a curfew. The towering waves of the sea, too, seemed to silently question where the usual vibrancy and energy had vanished.
Police vehicles patrolled the streets at regular intervals, and adequate police presence was ensured at key checkpoints. Meanwhile, volunteers from Tanzeem and the Federation closely monitored the situation, ensuring safety and vigilance in their respective areas.
It is worth noting that just a day earlier, on Monday, thousands of people had gathered outside the Mini Vidhana Saudha in a massive protest led by Majlis-e-Islah-o-Tanzeem, demanding the immediate arrest of Yati Narsinghanand. Prior to the protest, an FIR was lodged against him at the Bhatkal Town Police Station under the UAPA and National Security Act (NSA), urging the authorities to take stringent action.
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