Punjab Bandh Over Bandi Singhs: Markets Close as Traffic and Bus Services Take a Hit

The Qaumi Insaf Morcha’s Punjab Bandh on Friday disrupted normal life across large parts of the state, shutting markets and private schools, hitting road transport and prompting heavy security deployment in Punjab and at Chandigarh-Mohali border points.

The seven-hour shutdown, observed from 7 am to 2 pm, was called to press for the release of ‘Bandi Singhs’. Its impact was visible in Amritsar, Patiala, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Mohali, Sangrur, Ferozepur and other districts, where shops, markets and commercial establishments remained closed.

Traffic suffered the sharpest disruption. Protesters and supporting groups staged dharnas and parked vehicles and tractor-trolleys on roads, including highways. In Patiala, a blockade outside the main bus stand disrupted bus services and left passengers stranded, while commuters elsewhere faced delays and long queues.

Private schools observed a holiday following the bandh call, although government schools and offices continued functioning in several places. Panjab University had already rescheduled examinations fixed for the day, reducing the risk of students being caught in travel disruptions.

Despite the shutdown, essential services were kept outside its ambit. Medical emergencies, travel to airports, examinations and wedding ceremonies were exempted, while medicine shops remained open in affected areas.

Authorities mounted extensive security arrangements to prevent violence and maintain public order. Punjab Police deployed heavy contingents in key cities, including Amritsar, Ludhiana, Mohali and Jalandhar, while personnel were positioned around protest sites and vulnerable routes.

Security was particularly tight at the Chandigarh-Mohali border, where Chandigarh Police erected barricades and deployed personnel alongside the Rapid Action Force. The measures were aimed at controlling movement, preventing protesters from breaching sensitive entry points and keeping major routes operational.

The bandh demonstrated the Morcha’s ability to cause widespread disruption while also exposing its uneven impact: commercial activity and mobility were severely affected in many areas, but essential services remained available. Overall, the authorities sought to balance the right to protest with the need to protect commuters, maintain law and order and prevent the shutdown from spiralling into broader violence and unrest.