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

Buses and public transport: Transport unions have been asked to keep buses off the roads for half a day. The morcha said it was also in talks with transporters to keep buses and trucks off the roads during the bandh.

J P Aggarwal, president of Ludhiana Transporters Association, said, “We have not extended support to the bandh call but we have advised truckers to stay off roads if there are traffic disruptions. Normally, our movements are during night hours.”

Sources said mini-bus operators have already extended support to the call.

Markets: The Morcha has appealed to traders and shopkeepers to voluntarily keep markets closed. It is also holding discussions with the Punjab Pradesh Beopar Mandal for support. KMM coordinator Sarwan Singh Pandher said markets and institutions should remain closed during the seven-hour period.

Schools and colleges: The Morcha has appealed to schools and colleges to remain closed. Several private schools are reportedly considering keeping their campuses shut on Friday. However, no such direction or message has been issued for government schools, according to the information available with the Morcha.

Milk supply: The KMM has advised milkmen to distribute milk either before 7 am or in the evening.

Factories and industrial workers: The Morcha said it would not disrupt factory shifts that begin before 7 am. However, it has warned that workers would not be allowed to travel on roads between 7 am and 2 pm, potentially affecting industrial operations during the bandh hours.

The Morcha has been protesting since January 7, 2023, at YPS Chowk on the Mohali-Chandigarh border demanding the prisoners’ release.

The SAD (Punarsurjit) and Akali Dal Waris Punjab De—both breakaway factions of the Shiromani Akali Dal—have extended support to the bandh. The SAD-led by Sukhbir Singh Badal also supports the demand for the release of “bandi Singhs” but has not explicitly supported Friday’s bandh call.