Chandigarh: The Punjab bandh called by the Kaumi Insaf Morcha from 7 am to 2 pm on Friday saw a mixed response across the state, with buses and private schools remaining shut in several areas. Train services, however, were largely unaffected.
The Kharar-Chandigarh highway was blocked during the bandh, leading to arguments between commuters heading to work and Morcha supporters. In Mohali, Nihang Sikhs reportedly forced a pizza outlet to close, while Morcha supporters in Amritsar, Patiala and Ludhiana asked shops that remained open to shut down. The situation became tense in Patiala, prompting police intervention.
Incidents reported in different cities
In Jalandhar, a protester allegedly slapped a car driver after an argument broke out when the vehicle was stopped. The driver was reportedly on his way to a hospital.
In Faridkot, protesters stopped a bus belonging to AAP MLA Dimpy Dhillon. Police reached the spot and subsequently escorted the bus back to the bus stand.
Meanwhile, the BJP state office in Chandigarh received a bomb threat through email. The message reportedly referred to the Punjab bandh and threatened bomb blasts in cities where establishments remained open. Security agencies were alerted and an investigation was launched.
The Morcha had called the bandh to demand the release of Sikh prisoners who have completed their sentences but remain incarcerated, as well as parole for Jagtar Singh Hawara, who is serving a life sentence in connection with the assassination of former Punjab chief minister Beant Singh.
The bandh ended at 2 pm, after which traffic movement was restored to normal.
