Bandh evokes mixed response in Ludhiana; traffic hit, markets reopen by afternoon

The bandh call given by the Qaumi Insaaf Morcha seeking the release of Bandi Sikhs lodged in various jails for long periods evoked a mixed response in Ludhiana on Friday. Major markets, factories, several schools and other establishments remained closed in the morning. The bandh was observed from 7 am to 2 pm, with its impact visible in and around the city.

Tension prevailed at the Ladowal Toll Plaza after morcha supporters forcibly blocked the highway, causing inconvenience to commuters. Several Nihangs were seen blocking traffic while demanding the release of Bandi Sikhs.

Traffic movement was disrupted at Samrala Chowk, Ladowal, Jalandhar Bypass and Bharat Nagar Chowk. Some Nihangs said emergency vehicles were being allowed to pass through service lanes and maintained that they would ensure the bandh received a strong response until 2 pm.

A closed market in Ludhiana on Friday. Tribune Photo: HIMANSHU MAHAJAN

At several places, commuters were seen pleading with protesters to allow them to pass. Arguments broke out at some points, leaving residents and commuters inconvenienced. Nihangs sat on roads at various locations to ensure that traffic remained stalled until the bandh ended.

Markets wear

a deserted look

Most markets in the city, including Chaura Bazar, Ghumar Mandi, Bhadaur House, AC Market, Dandi Swami and BRS Nagar, remained shut during the morning. However, by noon, shopkeepers in several areas began opening their establishments. By 1.30 pm, most shops had reopened. Despite the bandh, traffic movement on several roads in the city was largely normal during the later part of the bandh period.

Thin attendance in educational institutions

Schools and colleges across the city recorded thin attendance. Several private schools had already declared a holiday, while attendance in government schools remained low. Pankaj Kaushal of Government Senior Secondary School, Jawahar Nagar Camp (boys), said student attendance was negligible due to the bandh call. He said most of the students who attended were from nearby areas.

Bus service affected

Most bus operators kept their vehicles off the roads until 2 pm. JS Grewal, general secretary of the Small Scale Bus Operators Association, said the association had already announced that around 800 to 900 buses would remain off the roads until the bandh ended. As a result, many passengers avoided travelling during the bandh hours, he said.

Flights at Halwara

Airport unaffected

The bandh had no apparent impact on flight operations or passenger movement at Halwara Airport, according to the authorities. Routine flights continued to arrive and depart as scheduled.

Heavy police force deployment across city

Meanwhile, heavy police deployment was made across the city to ensure that the bandh passed off peacefully and to prevent any untoward incident. Police personnel patrolled various parts of the city, while nakas were set up at sensitive locations, including Samrala Chowk, Ladowal and Jalandhar bypass.

Motive behind

the bandh call

The Qaumi Insaaf Morcha had called the bandh seeking the release of Bandi Sikhs who remain lodged in various jails. Several political parties that extended support to the bandh said the prisoners had already completed their jail terms and should therefore be released.