A seven-hour Punjab bandh demanding the release of Sikh prisoners, known as Bandi Singhs, disrupted normal life across the state on Friday, with markets and private schools closing and public transportation severely affected in several cities.
The shutdown, called from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., was backed by the Qaumi Insaaf Morcha along with several religious, social, farmer and employee organizations and Sikh political groups.
The impact was reported across Patiala, Jalandhar, Amritsar, Ferozepur, Ludhiana, Mohali, Sangrur, Bathinda, Faridkot and Muktsar, where many shops, markets and commercial establishments remained closed.
Patiala bus services hit
In Patiala, protesters led by Qaumi Insaaf Morcha leader Gurcharan Singh parked vehicles on the road outside the city’s main bus stand, blocking traffic in both directions.
The demonstration severely disrupted bus services connecting Patiala with Bathinda, Ferozepur, Faridkot and other parts of Punjab.
Buses attempting to leave the terminal were also stopped, resulting in long lines of vehicles and leaving passengers stranded.
Elsewhere, protesters staged demonstrations in Jalandhar, Ludhiana’s Ladhowal area, Hoshiarpur and Ferozepur. Motorcycle marches were also held in some cities in support of the demand for the prisoners’ release.
Markets close across major cities
Amritsar saw several markets and commercial establishments shut during the bandh, while bus services were also disrupted.
Activity at the city’s main bus terminal was considerably lower than usual. Some long-distance buses departed early in the morning, but passenger traffic declined as the shutdown continued.
In Bathinda, bus services were suspended and markets remained closed. Sikh organizations held a peaceful demonstration outside the bus stand, with a large police presence deployed in the area.
The shutdown also affected Faridkot, where private schools and shops closed while government schools and offices remained operational. Protesters reportedly stopped at least one government bus and directed it back to the terminal.
Several markets in Muktsar also remained closed.
Protesters target roads and rail routes
Organizers had announced plans to block highways and railway tracks and close commercial establishments across Punjab during the seven-hour protest.
The bandh was called to press for the release of Sikh prisoners whom campaigners say have remained incarcerated despite completing their sentences.
With demonstrations and road blockades taking place across multiple districts, transportation emerged as one of the most heavily affected sectors, while widespread market closures underscored the bandh’s impact across both urban and rural Punjab.
