Most schools and colleges closed; markets remain shut across the state

Protests and sit-ins underway at several places

Chandigarh, 21 August (H.S.): Punjab witnessed a widespread shutdown on Friday following a call by the Qaumi Insaf Morcha, which is demanding the release of Sikhs who have completed their prison sentences and remain incarcerated, as well as parole for Jagtar Singh Hawara, convicted in the assassination of former Chief Minister Beant Singh. The shuts down began at 7 am, with markets remaining closed in several districts and protests being reported from various locations.

Mohali remained the main centre of the Qaumi Insaf Morcha. A protest has been underway at YPS Chowk in the city since 2023. Following the Morcha’s call, markets in several districts remained closed in the morning. The shuts down had a significant impact in Dera Bassi and Lalru, adjoining Mohali, where markets and vegetable mandis remained closed.

As a precautionary measure, several private schools and other educational institutions across the state declared a holiday. Bus services were also affected, with protesters preventing buses from leaving bus stands at several places.

The bandh received support from the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) and several political parties. In Mohali, Nihangs took position at Airport Road and YPS Chowk. Tension was reported when people heading to work were stopped by protesters.

A significant impact of the bandh was also reported from Pathankot, Ludhiana, Jalandhar and Amritsar. Protests and sit-ins were held outside bus stands, while supporters of the Qaumi Insaf Morcha visited different areas and urged shopkeepers to keep their establishments closed.

National and state highways were also blocked at several locations, disrupting traffic movement.

During a protest on the Kharar-Chandigarh Highway, protesters stopped a young man who said he had to appear for an examination and requested permission to proceed. Protesters, however, alleged that he was a medical representative of a company. When they checked his bag, the youth reportedly objected.

In Pathankot, the Punjab bandh witnessed a mixed response, with normal activities continuing in some areas while protests and disruptions were reported at several other locations.

Hindusthan Samachar / GURSHARAN SINGH