Shops selling non-essentials to close at 7 pm on Fridays amid security concerns in Chandigarh

Chandigarh: Amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan and potential security threats, the Chandigarh administration has directed all shops selling non-essential items to close by 7 pm on Fridays.

The order includes the closure of shops selling clothes, restaurants, hotels, and other commercial establishments dealing in non-essential goods.

However, shops selling essential commodities, including medicines, have been exempted and will be allowed to operate beyond the 7 pm deadline.

Deputy Commissioner Nishant Kumar Yadav said the restrictions are limited to Fridays, and normal business operations can resume the following morning. Hotels offering boarding and lodging services are also allowed to function as usual but must adhere to blackout guidelines, he added.