Punjab is experiencing a statewide bandh today (August 21) after a call by the Qaumi Insaaf Morcha to have “Bandi Singhs” (Sikh prisoners who are said to have served their sentences but are still in jail) released. The shutdown will affect life in different districts in the state from 7 AM to 2 PM. Sikh organisations, farmers, and local religious organisations are also supporting the protest, and there is a high risk for transport, markets, educational institutions, and public services to be disrupted in the event of the shutdown.
The bandh call comes as the Qaumi Insaaf Morcha is still protesting the release of Sikh prisoners. We are hoping for public support, traders, transport operators, and educational institutions to help us in the shutdown. Organisers say the protest is on behalf of the long-standing prisoners with whom various Sikh organisations have been trying to achieve their release.
What is likely to remain closed?
Some city markets, shops, and businesses are expected to be shut down during the bandh. Traders’ organisations in several cities are expected to remain shut down in most of the city’s markets, shops, and businesses during the bandh. Traders’ organisations in some districts have either extended support or advised members to be safe during the shutdown hours, or even warned everybody to be safe during the shutdowns.
Public transport will be disrupted greatly. Indeed, many transport associations have supported the bandh, and there are reports that private buses might remain off the road during the protest period. There will be road blockades and protests on highways connecting cities like Amritsar, Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Patiala, Mohali, and Chandigarh.
If protesters are close to railway lines, train services could be delayed or interrupted too. Passengers should now check the latest schedules before getting to the station.
Schools and Colleges Update
The bandh has resulted in mixed responses from educational institutions. Some private schools announced holidays in the wake of the shutdown, and Panjab University rescheduled exams scheduled for August 21. But a few have decided to keep operations as normal, and teachers are telling students to contact their schools or colleges for the latest update.
Students who are in exams have been exempted from any restrictions and are expected to travel.
What Will Remain Open?
Essential services have been kept outside of the bandh. Hospitals, medical stores, ambulances, emergency healthcare facilities, and other critical services are expected to be functioning normally during the protest period.
Airport-bound passengers, those attending weddings, and those involved in family or faith-related activities have been exempted, the organisers said. Emergency services and essential travel will not be affected, they said.
Advisory for Residents
Residents are told to avoid non-essential travel during the bandh and stay updated through official announcements. If you plan to travel by road, bus, or train, expect delays and make alternate travel plans. There are more police on hand in a number of sensitive parts of the city to keep the protest peaceful.
While the bandh is expected to end at 2 PM, authorities are closely watching the situation in Punjab. Participation is expected to be high, and local administrative arrangements in different districts will be important.
