LUDHIANA: Tension gripped Ludhiana on Friday with activists of Sikh organisations forcing traders to shut their shops in protest against the Dera Sacha Sauda chief's alleged anti-Sikh actions.

Karimpura bazaar, Mochpura bazaar and Chaura bazaar all wore a deserted look in the morning as shops in various markets across the city were kept shut fearing damage from the protesters.

According to sources, the protesters raised slogans against the Dera chief for hurting Sikh sentiments by allegedly dressing like Guru Gobind Singh.

No untoward incidents were reported though the situation remained tense.