Punjab bandh tomorrow: Schools, markets, highways likely to be affected

Punjab is set to experience disruptions on Friday as the Qaumi Insaaf Morcha announces a seven-hour bandh from 7 am to 2 pm. The primary demand is the release of Sikh prisoners, or bandi Singhs, who have served their sentences but remain incarcerated. The bandh has garnered support from various organizations, including farmer and Sikh groups like the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha and breakaway factions of the Shiromani Akali Dal.

Highways and traffic are expected to be significantly impacted, with volunteers of the Qaumi Insaaf Morcha deployed to halt traffic movement on state and national roads. However, emergency vehicles, weddings, and funerals will be granted passage. Buses and public transport will also be affected, with transport unions instructed to keep them off the roads for half the day. Mini-bus operators have already shown support for the call.

Markets are likely to close voluntarily, with the Morcha urging traders and shopkeepers to comply. Discussions are ongoing with the Punjab Pradesh Beopar Mandal for additional assistance. Schools and colleges are being asked to remain closed during the bandh, although government schools have not received a directive. Milk supply is to be adjusted, with milkmen advised to distribute either before the bandh starts or in the evening.

Industrial workers will not face disruptions for shifts starting before 7 am, but road travel between the bandh hours of 7 am and 2 pm is discouraged, potentially disrupting industrial operations during those hours. The Morcha, which has been protesting since January 7, 2023, at YPS Chowk on the Mohali-Chandigarh border, has received backing from several organizations. The SAD, led by Sukhbir Singh Badal, supports the release of bandi Singhs but has not explicitly endorsed the Friday bandh.