Ludhiana: The statewide Punjab bandh called by the Qaumi Insaaf Morcha to demand the release of Bandi Singhs (Sikh prisoners) evoked a mixed response in Ludhiana city while seeing a near-total shutdown in neighbouring Khanna and Jagraon on Friday.During the 7 am to 2 pm bandh, major commercial hubs in Ludhiana—including Ghumar Mandi, Chaura Bazar, and Model Town—remained largely shut until 1 pm before shopkeepers began reopening, while several private schools closed or shifted to online classes as a security precaution.Protesters blocked key traffic points in Ludhiana, including the Ladowal stretch on the Amritsar-Delhi highway, Jalandhar Bypass, and Samrala Chowk, though demonstrators permitted emergency vehicles such as ambulances to pass through.In Khanna, the shutdown received widespread support as markets, industrial units, and educational institutions remained completely closed, supported by organisations including the United Akali Dal, Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar), and Waris Punjab De.Leading a protest march across Khanna, United Akali Dal general secretary Jatinder Singh Isru demanded the immediate release of Sikh prisoners who have completed their sentences and urged the Centre to grant parole to Jagtar Singh Hawara on humanitarian grounds due to his mother’s severe illness.In Jagraon, Sikh organisations, religious leaders, farmers, labourers, and Nihang groups led a rally from Gurdwara Singh Sabha to Tehsil Chowk, raising slogans for the release of prisoners and stating that the issue is deeply linked to Sikh community sentiments.Both Ludhiana and Khanna police forces deployed heavy security across all major intersections and commercial areas, ensuring the entire demonstration and protest marches concluded peacefully without any untoward incidents.
