Punjab Shutdown Over Sikh Prisoners’ Release Disrupts Transport, Business Across State

A seven-hour Punjab bandh called by Sikh organisations demanding the release of Sikh prisoners, commonly referred to as Bandi Singhs, disrupted normal life across the state on Friday. Shops, markets, commercial establishments and private schools remained closed in several areas, while traffic movement and public transport were severely affected at multiple locations. Protesters blocked roads and held demonstrations in cities and towns, with police deployments increased in areas where gatherings were organised.

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 blockade severely affected bus services to Bathinda, Ferozepur, Faridkot and other parts of Punjab. Buses attempting to leave the bus stand were reportedly stopped, leading to long queues of vehicles and leaving passengers stranded around one of the city's major transport hubs.

The bandh also affected several other major cities, including Jalandhar, Amritsar, Ferozepur, Ludhiana, Mohali and Sangrur. Protesters staged dharnas in Jalandhar, Ludhiana's Ladhowal, Hoshiarpur and Ferozepur, expressing their opposition to the continued incarceration of Sikh prisoners. In some cities, protesters also organised marches on two-wheelers. The widespread closure of commercial establishments resulted in reduced activity in both urban and rural markets.

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In Amritsar, several markets and commercial establishments remained shut and bus services were affected. The city's bus stand recorded considerably less activity than on a normal day. Some long-distance buses had departed the depot early in the morning, but passenger movement subsequently remained low. Faridkot also witnessed closures, with private schools and shops remaining shut while government offices and schools continued to function. A Sikh leader said private schools and shopkeepers had supported the bandh, while government establishments remained open. He also claimed that protesters stopped a government bus and sent it back to the bus stand.

Bathinda saw a strong response to the shutdown, with bus services reportedly completely suspended and markets remaining closed. Sikh organisations held a peaceful demonstration outside the bus stand, while a sizeable police presence was deployed in the area to maintain law and order. In Muktsar, several markets also remained closed. The disruptions varied from place to place, with some areas experiencing road blockades and suspension of public transport while essential government services continued operating.

The bandh was organised by a morcha that has received support from several religious, social, farmer and employee organisations as well as Sikh political parties. Organisers had called for the closure of commercial establishments and planned blockades of highways and railway tracks from 7 am to 2 pm. The central demand was the release of Sikh prisoners who supporters say have completed their sentences but remain incarcerated. The issue has remained a longstanding point of contention among Sikh groups and organisations.

The state-wide action resulted in significant disruption to transportation and commercial activity, particularly in areas where protesters blocked roads or gathered outside bus stands. Police forces were deployed at several locations as authorities monitored demonstrations and traffic blockades. While the bandh affected daily life and passenger movement across Punjab, reports indicated that several demonstrations remained peaceful. The scale of the shutdown underscored the continuing political and social sensitivity surrounding demands for the release of Sikh prisoners.

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