Punjab bandh disrupts buses, highways and daily life

The Punjab bandh disrupted bus services, highway traffic and markets in Ludhiana and Mohali on Friday from 7 am to 2 pm. The Qaumi Insaaf Morcha called the shutdown to demand the release of Sikh prisoners. Punjab Roadways and PRTC services were affected, while about 2,100 private buses across Punjab stayed off the roads. Ludhiana officials estimated that only half of normal bus services operated, with operations returning towards normal by 2 pm.

The Hindustan Times reports that protesters blocked the Jalandhar-Ludhiana highway near Ladhowal and roads near Samrala Chowk, while several Ludhiana markets closed. Schools, offices and some roads continued to function. In Mohali, the same outlet reports that commuters, patients, airport-bound families and a vehicle carrying a dead body were stopped at blockades. About 1,200 police personnel were deployed in Ludhiana, and police said no untoward incident was reported. Traffic movement improved after protesters dispersed at 2 pm.