The Punjab bandh called by the Qaumi Insaaf Morcha received a strong response across the state on Friday, with markets, educational institutions and commercial establishments remaining closed in several areas. Traffic movement was also affected at a number of places.
Several Sikh organisations backed the bandh, including the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), Shiromani Akali Dal (Punar Surjit) and Shiromani Akali Dal Waris Punjab De. Farmer groups and other Panthic organisations also extended their support to the protest.
The issue of Bandi Singhs has remained a contentious issue in Punjab for years. Panthic organisations and rights activists have repeatedly called for the release of prisoners who, they contend, have spent decades behind bars, including those convicted in cases linked to the militancy period of the 1980s and 1990s.
The Qaumi Insaaf Morcha has been campaigning for the release of long-incarcerated Sikh prisoners. Its leaders maintain that some prisoners continue to remain in custody despite having completed their sentences or becoming eligible for release under applicable legal provisions.
Protesters said continued imprisonment after completion of a sentence was inconsistent with the principles of justice and human rights. They urged the Centre and the Punjab government to take immediate statutory measures to address the issue and facilitate the release of eligible prisoners.
In Amritsar, police were deployed at key locations as the bandh began. ADCP Harpal Singh said markets across the city remained closed and adequate security arrangements had been made to maintain law and order.
“All markets here are closed. Police are deployed in all areas of Amritsar. The situation is peaceful in the city. All jathebandis have supported this bandh,” the officer said.
The shutdown also affected traffic in parts of Mohali, with movement disrupted along the Kharar-Mohali route. Police personnel were stationed at important points to regulate traffic and ensure the uninterrupted movement of essential vehicles.
Despite the impact on commercial activity and traffic in some areas, the overall situation remained peaceful, with security forces maintaining a presence at sensitive locations across the state.
