3 min learnPatialaUp to date: Aug 20, 2026 05:06 PM IST
Punjab is more likely to witness disruptions on Friday because the Qaumi Insaaf Morcha has known as a seven-hour bandh from 7 am to 2 pm demanding the discharge of Sikh prisoners, or “bandi Singhs”, who stay in jails regardless of finishing their sentences.
The bandh has acquired help from a number of farmer and Sikh organisations, together with the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM), Bhartiya Kisan Union (Rajewal), and two breakaway factions of the Shiromani Akali Dal.
Here’s what is predicted to stay closed or affected through the bandh:
Highways and visitors: Volunteers of the Qaumi Insaaf Morcha shall be deployed on state and nationwide highways and are anticipated to cease visitors motion. Nonetheless, emergency motion, together with ambulances and folks travelling for weddings or funerals, shall be allowed, mentioned Morcha convenor Gurdeep Singh Bathinda.
Buses and public transport: Transport unions have been requested to maintain buses off the roads for half a day. The morcha mentioned it was additionally in talks with transporters to maintain buses and vehicles off the roads through the bandh.
J P Aggarwal, president of Ludhiana Transporters Affiliation, mentioned, “Now we have not prolonged help to the bandh name however now we have suggested truckers to remain off roads if there are visitors disruptions. Usually, our actions are throughout evening hours.”
Sources mentioned mini-bus operators have already prolonged help to the decision.
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Markets: The Morcha has appealed to merchants and shopkeepers to voluntarily maintain markets closed. It’s also holding discussions with the Punjab Pradesh Beopar Mandal for help. KMM coordinator Sarwan Singh Pandher mentioned markets and establishments ought to stay closed through the seven-hour interval.
Faculties and schools: The Morcha has appealed to varsities and schools to stay closed. A number of non-public faculties are reportedly contemplating conserving their campuses shut on Friday. Nonetheless, no such route or message has been issued for presidency faculties, in response to the data obtainable with the Morcha.
Milk provide: The KMM has suggested milkmen to distribute milk both earlier than 7 am or within the night.
Factories and industrial staff: The Morcha mentioned it will not disrupt manufacturing facility shifts that start earlier than 7 am. Nonetheless, it has warned that staff wouldn’t be allowed to journey on roads between 7 am and a couple of pm, probably affecting industrial operations through the bandh hours.
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The Morcha has been protesting since January 7, 2023, at YPS Chowk on the Mohali-Chandigarh border demanding the prisoners’ launch.
The SAD (Punarsurjit) and Akali Dal Waris Punjab De—each breakaway factions of the Shiromani Akali Dal—have prolonged help to the bandh. The SAD-led by Sukhbir Singh Badal additionally helps the demand for the discharge of “bandi Singhs” however has not explicitly supported Friday’s bandh name.
