Seven-Hour Statewide Shutdown Underway

Punjab is witnessing a statewide bandh on Friday, called by the Qaumi Insaaf Morcha (QIM) from 7 am to 2 pm, to press the demand for the release of Sikh prisoners known as "Bandi Singhs" who the organisation says remain in jail despite having completed their sentences. The bandh has drawn support from a wide coalition of farmer and Sikh organisations, including the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, Bharatiya Kisan Union (Rajewal), two breakaway factions of the Shiromani Akali Dal, and the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), which has kept all its offices and institutions closed for the day.

Highways and Rail Corridors Under Watch

QIM volunteers are expected to block traffic on both state and national highways through the bandh window, with organisers appealing to the government to suspend train services as well, warning that protesters could attempt to block rail operations if trains continue running. Punjab Police have deployed additional security personnel across highway junctions and border districts to manage the shutdown and prevent a repeat of the confrontation seen on August 15.

What Remains Exempt

Organisers have built in specific exemptions to minimise disruption to essential services. Emergency vehicles, including ambulances, hospital staff and medical facilities, Army and security personnel movement, and people travelling for weddings, bhog ceremonies, exams, or to airports will be allowed to pass unhindered, according to Morcha convener Gurdeep Singh Bathinda. Dhabas along highway routes have also been exempted from the shutdown.

Schools, Colleges and Transport Impact

While there is no blanket government order mandating school closures statewide, government schools across Punjab are set to remain open on Friday. However, the Morcha has appealed to educational institutions, shops, markets, factories, and transport organisations to voluntarily join the shutdown, and many private schools and colleges in cities including Amritsar and Patiala have already declared a holiday for the day.

Background: August 15 Confrontation at Chandigarh-Mohali Border

The bandh call follows a tense standoff on August 15, when QIM protesters attempted to march toward Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria's residence in Chandigarh, demanding the release of Bandi Singhs along with parole for Jagtar Singh Hawara. The situation escalated when protesters allegedly attempted to breach police barricades near Lok Bhavan, prompting police to use tear gas and water cannons to disperse the crowd. Organisers have accused the administration of using excessive force during that confrontation, while police maintain the response was necessary after barricades were breached. Seventeen protesters were reportedly arrested in connection with the incident, and Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar) president Simranjit Singh Mann was also detained.

Political and Organisational Backing

Kisan Mazdoor Morcha convener Sarwan Singh Pandher has extended support for the bandh, alleging that the state government has been suppressing the voices of those demanding the Bandi Singhs' release through force and the registration of legal cases. Farmer leaders have said they plan to block highways and roads during the shutdown while ensuring essential services continue uninterrupted.

What to Expect Through the Day

With the shutdown window running until 2 pm, commuters across Punjab are advised to plan around potential highway and rail disruptions, while emergency, medical, and essential travel corridors remain protected under the exemptions announced by organisers. Punjab Police have indicated that law and order arrangements will remain in place through the bandh period to manage the situation across affected districts.