Punjab witnessed disruptions on Friday as the Qaumi Insaaf Morcha observed a statewide shutdown from 7 am to 2 pm on August 21, with schools, markets and public transport services affected in several parts of the state.

The shutdown has been called primarily to demand the release of Sikh prisoners who remain incarcerated despite completing their sentences. The Morcha is also seeking parole for Jagtar Hawara, who was convicted in the assassination of former Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh.

Traffic Disrupted Across Punjab

The bandh affected road traffic at several locations. In Mohali, protesters blocked the Kharar-Chandigarh highway, causing inconvenience to commuters travelling towards Chandigarh and surrounding areas.

The blockade also led to arguments between protesters and people attempting to reach work. The Morcha had announced that national highways, state highways and district roads could be blocked during the shutdown.

Public transport was also affected, with buses remaining parked at several bus stands. Passengers reported difficulties in travelling as bus operations were disrupted.

Schools And Markets Closed

Educational institutions in several areas remained closed in response to the bandh call. Some schools in Chandigarh and Mohali were shut, while the Private Schools Association had also appealed to schools to observe the shutdown.

Markets and shops were also affected. The Morcha had appealed to traders to close main markets, shopping malls, wholesale markets and other commercial establishments between 7 am and 2 pm.

Visuals from different parts of Punjab showed shuttered shops and reduced commercial activity.

SGPC Institutions Observe Bandh

Institutions associated with the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) also observed the shutdown. SGPC offices and educational institutions under its management were closed.

SGPC members were also seen participating in demonstrations and raising slogans in support of the demands raised by the Morcha.

Railway And Public Transport Impact

The Morcha had also announced plans to block railway tracks during the shutdown. Apart from trains, the bandh was expected to affect buses, autos and taxis because of road blockades and reduced movement.

At Amritsar bus stand, several buses remained parked as services were disrupted, leaving passengers waiting for alternative transport.

Why Has The Morcha Called The Bandh?

The central demand of the Qaumi Insaaf Morcha concerns Sikh prisoners who, according to the organisation, continue to remain in jail despite completing their sentences.

The Morcha has also demanded parole for Jagtar Hawara, who is serving a sentence in connection with the assassination of former Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh.

The shutdown was intended to put pressure on the authorities over these demands and draw wider public attention to the issue.

Situation During The Shutdown

The impact of the bandh varied across Punjab, with some areas witnessing complete closure of shops and disruption of transport, while activity continued in other locations.

The blockade of the Kharar-Chandigarh highway in Mohali was among the prominent disruptions reported during the morning. Authorities were required to manage traffic movement and maintain law and order at protest locations.

The shutdown was scheduled to continue until 2 pm on August 21.