Shops and markets remained closed at some places in Punjab on Friday morning as the seven-hour 'Punjab Bandh' called by the Qaumi Insaf Morcha began. The shutdown has been called to press for the release of 'Bandi Singhs' (Sikh prisoners).
The bandh is scheduled from 7 am to 2 pm. Security has been tightened across the state, particularly around the Chandigarh-Mohali border.
Police deployed across key areas
Heavy police deployment has been made in several places, including Amritsar, Ludhiana and Jalandhar, to maintain law and order.
At the Mohali-Chandigarh border points, Chandigarh Police personnel, including the Rapid Action Force (RAF), have been deployed along barricades.
Supporters of the Qaumi Insaf Morcha parked vehicles at several locations, including Mohali and Patiala, to create blockades. The move caused inconvenience to commuters.
Shops in parts of Sangrur and Mohali were shut, while medical shops remained open.
Schools shut, university exams rescheduled
A federation of private schools had announced a holiday on Friday following the bandh call. Panjab University has also rescheduled examinations that were scheduled for the day.
Morcha leaders had appealed to traders, shopkeepers, transporters and educational institutions to support the shutdown.
However, essential services have been kept outside the bandh. Medical emergencies, airport travel, examinations and wedding ceremonies have been allowed, according to the Morcha leaders.
SGPC, political and farmer groups back bandh
Several organisations have extended their support to the shutdown, including the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), Shiromani Akali Dal (Punar Surjit General) and Shiromani Akali Dal Waris Punjab De.
Farmer organisations, including Bharti Kisan Union (Rajewal), have also backed the bandh. Kisan Mazdoor Morcha leader Sarwan Singh Pandher has urged people to support the shutdown.
Why is the Morcha demanding release of Sikh prisoners?
The Qaumi Insaaf Morcha has been demanding parole for Jagtar Singh Hawara, who is serving a life sentence for the assassination of then Punjab chief minister Beant Singh in 1995.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has met Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria and favoured a 10-day parole for Hawara so that he can meet his ailing mother.
The Morcha is also seeking the release of other 'Bandi Singhs', including Balwant Singh Rajoana and Devinderpal Singh Bhullar.
The group has been holding a prolonged protest at Sector 52-53 in Chandigarh and the adjacent YPS Chowk in Mohali since January 7, 2023, as part of its campaign for the release of Sikh prisoners.