Punjab, 14 October : A statewide bandh has been called across Punjab for Thursday, October 15, following the killing of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota in Mansa. The shutdown has been announced from 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with Jhota's family and the action committee appealing to people and organisations across the state to participate peacefully.
The bandh has received support from several farmer organisations, social and religious bodies and political parties. The protesters are demanding justice in the Jhota murder case, along with a detailed investigation into the circumstances surrounding his killing. Jhota's family has also demanded a CBI investigation and accountability from senior officials of the state government and police administration.
Organisers have clarified that emergency services will not be stopped during the bandh. Hospitals, ambulances and people travelling for genuine medical emergencies are expected to be allowed to move. Residents have nevertheless been advised to allow extra travel time because road blockades and demonstrations could affect movement in several parts of Punjab.
Markets and shops may see significant disruption, although a complete compulsory closure of every commercial establishment across the state has not been officially announced. Participation is expected to vary between cities and individual market associations. Some shops may remain closed in support of the bandh, while others could operate depending on local conditions.
Public transport is also likely to be affected. Bus services may face delays, diversions or temporary suspension on routes where protesters block roads. Travellers using Punjab Roadways, PRTC or private buses should check local conditions before starting their journey. No blanket statewide suspension of train services has been confirmed, although passengers could face difficulty reaching railway stations if connecting roads are blocked.
As of Wednesday night, the Punjab Government had not announced a blanket statewide holiday for all government schools, colleges or offices specifically because of the bandh. Government educational institutions are therefore expected to follow official instructions issued by the authorities, while private schools may take their own decisions depending on local safety and transport conditions. Parents should check messages issued directly by their child's school before travelling.
Banks have also not been placed under a confirmed statewide closure order specifically for the bandh. Branches may operate according to their normal schedules, although access could be affected in areas where markets or roads are blocked. ATMs, UPI and online banking services are expected to continue functioning normally.
There is similarly no confirmed statewide direction requiring all petrol pumps to close. Fuel stations may remain operational, but accessibility could depend on road conditions and protests in individual areas. People planning essential travel have been advised to check the situation locally before leaving home.
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has formally extended support to the Punjab Bandh and announced that its offices and institutions will remain closed on October 15. Punjabi University, Patiala, has also announced closure, while students of other colleges and universities should rely on notices issued by their respective institutions.
The bandh comes amid continuing protests following the killing of Parvinder Singh Jhota, who was known for campaigning against drug abuse and raising allegations about the illegal sale of intoxicating medicines. His death has triggered protests across Punjab and renewed public and political debate over drugs and law and order in the state.
Police and district administrations are expected to remain on alert during the bandh, particularly at major roads, intersections and protest locations. Since the level of participation may differ from one district to another, residents are advised to avoid unnecessary travel between 6 AM and 5 PM and follow official local traffic and administration updates.
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