A Punjab bandh called by the Qaumi Insaaf Morcha, demanding the release of Sikh prisoners, partially disrupted normal life in Ludhiana on Friday, with several major markets observing a shutdown and protesters blocking important highway stretches for several hours.
The bandh was observed from 7 am to 2 pm and was supported by several Sikh and farmer organisations, as well as breakaway factions of the Shiromani Akali Dal, including Shiromani Akali Dal (Punar Surjit) and Akali Dal (Waris Punjab De).
The most significant impact was witnessed on the Jalandhar-Ludhiana National Highway, where protesters blocked the road near Ladhowal police station, bringing traffic movement to a halt. A group of Nihangs also blocked a stretch near Samrala Chowk, resulting in long queues of vehicles and leaving commuters stranded.
Several prominent commercial areas, including Chaura Bazar, Ghumar Mandi, Dugri and Model Town, remained closed during the bandh. Protesters moved through the markets and appealed to shopkeepers who had kept their establishments open to join the shutdown.
However, the bandh did not bring the entire city to a standstill. Several private schools and offices continued to function normally, while movement on other roads remained largely unaffected.
{{/usCountry}}However, the bandh did not bring the entire city to a standstill. Several private schools and offices continued to function normally, while movement on other roads remained largely unaffected.
{{/usCountry}}Gurdeep Singh, a representative of a Sikh organisation, said various Panthic groups had come together to press for the release of Sikh prisoners who, according to the protesters, continue to remain incarcerated despite completing their sentences. “We believe in non-violence and are observing the protest peacefully. We have received good support from shopkeepers,” he said.
Jagtar Singh of Waris Punjab De defended the highway blockade, saying the bandh had been announced well in advance and that information regarding the proposed road blockades had been circulated through social media and news platforms.
However, the road closures caused considerable inconvenience to commuters caught unaware by the bandh. Ranjan, who was travelling towards Jalandhar, said he got stuck near Ladhowal after the highway was blocked. He said he was unaware of the bandh and had to face considerable inconvenience.
The police maintained a strong presence across the city to prevent any untoward incident and manage traffic diversions. Commissioner of police Swapan Sharma, accompanied by senior police officers, reviewed the law-and-order arrangements at various locations.
Around 1,200 police personnel were deployed at sensitive points and along major roads during the bandh. The police commissioner said the bandh remained completely peaceful and no untoward incident was reported. Police teams remained deployed at key locations to monitor the situation and ensure that the protest did not escalate.
With the bandh ending at 2 pm, protesters began dispersing and traffic movement gradually returned to normal, bringing relief to commuters who had remained stuck on the affected highway stretches.