Normal life was affected across several parts of Punjab on Thursday as sanitation workers observed a state-wide ‘bandh’ over the alleged police lathi-charge on workers in Barnala. Markets and commercial establishments remained closed in many areas as unions protested against the action and demanded strict measures against the police personnel involved. The shutdown was called by sanitation workers’ organisations after the July 22 Barnala incident, in which police allegedly used force against sanitation workers during a confrontation linked to a cleanliness drive conducted by the local municipal corporation and district administration.

According to officials, police resorted to a lathi-charge after sanitation workers allegedly threw stones and garbage bags at personnel while attempting to stop the cleanliness campaign. The workers, however, have accused the police of excessive force and have demanded accountability for the action. Several towns across Punjab witnessed disruptions due to the bandh. Major markets in places including Barnala, Hoshiarpur, Sangrur, Tarn Taran and Samana in Patiala district remained closed as traders and business establishments supported the shutdown call.

Despite the protests, essential services continued to operate. Hospitals, medical stores, ambulance services and other emergency facilities remained functional, ensuring that critical services were not disrupted during the bandh. In Hoshiarpur, members of the Municipal Corporation Safai Karamchari Union, including a large number of women workers, gathered at the Municipal Corporation complex before taking out a protest march through major markets. The demonstration was led by union president Karanjot Adiya. Protesters carried black flags and brooms, wore black armbands and raised slogans against the Punjab government.

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The workers demanded action against police officials accused of involvement in the lathi-charge and called for their concerns to be addressed. Union leaders reiterated their demand for strict punishment against the police personnel involved in the incident. Their demands include the dismissal of the suspended deputy superintendent of police, registration of a case under the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The sanitation workers also renewed their long-standing demands related to municipal employees, including the regularisation of jobs and implementation of pending service-related issues.

They said the government must take steps to improve the working conditions and security of sanitation staff. The Punjab government has faced criticism from workers’ unions over the handling of the Barnala confrontation. The protests highlight continuing tensions between sanitation workers and authorities over labour rights, employment security and alleged police action. The bandh remained largely peaceful, with unions urging workers and supporters to participate in demonstrations while maintaining order. Further discussions between representatives of sanitation workers and government officials are expected as the dispute continues.

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