Oct 15 Punjab Bandh Over Jhota Murder: Who Supports It, Who Doesn’t; What Will Remain Open, What May Close

The bandh, called by Jhota’s father Bhim Singh, a former Army serviceman, with the consent of a 21-member action committee constituted by the family, will be observed from 6 am to 5 pm.

Several political parties, farmer unions and other organisations have announced their support, raising the possibility of widespread disruptions to road transport, commercial activity and educational institutions.

However, no statewide government holiday has been announced, and several services are expected to continue operating.

Here is what is known about the likely impact of the bandh.

Statements issued by various organisations, particularly farmer unions, indicate that highways and major roads may be blocked at several locations across Punjab.

Supporters of the bandh may stage sit-ins and demonstrations on roads, potentially disrupting vehicular movement.

Motorists have been advised to anticipate delays and check local traffic conditions before undertaking journeys.

Government bus services may face disruptions during the bandh.

The PRTC Workers Union has reportedly extended support to the shutdown and appealed to its members not to operate buses.

The union has also reportedly warned that if employees are directed to operate buses despite the bandh, responsibility for any consequences would rest with the management.

However, a formal statewide suspension of government bus services has not been confirmed.

No organisation or union has announced a programme to block railway tracks or disrupt train services so far.

Accordingly, there is no confirmed statewide suspension of rail services in connection with the bandh.

Passengers should nevertheless check the status of their trains before travelling, particularly if road blockades could affect access to railway stations.

The Punjab Government has not announced a statewide holiday for government schools, colleges or other educational institutions for October 15 as of the filing of this report.

Government educational institutions are therefore expected to function according to their regular schedules unless separate instructions are issued by the authorities.

The Punjab Private Schools Association has neither supported nor opposed the bandh.

Association president Jagjit Singh Dhuri said that individual schools were free to decide whether to remain open or closed, depending on the prevailing situation in their respective areas.

He clarified that the association had not issued a collective closure call.

Parents and students should therefore confirm the position directly with their schools.

The Punjab Government has not announced a holiday for its offices on October 15.

Government offices are consequently expected to function normally, although employees and visitors may encounter difficulties reaching their workplaces because of possible traffic restrictions.

The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has announced its support for the Punjab Bandh.

SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami said that the committee’s offices, educational institutions and other establishments would remain closed on October 15 in solidarity with Jhota’s family and the demand for justice.

Toll plazas across Punjab are expected to allow vehicles to pass without collecting toll during the bandh, according to an announcement by the Toll Plaza Union.

Union president Darshan Singh Laadi said toll plaza workers would extend full support to the bandh and that toll collection would remain suspended during the shutdown period.

The announcement is from the union, and its implementation at individual toll plazas will depend on local arrangements.

Petrol pumps are likely to remain operational during the bandh.

Madan Singh, a member of the Punjab Petroleum Union, said no decision had been taken to close filling stations.

He said petrol pumps provide essential services and are generally permitted to operate during shutdowns.

However, he added that the union would abide by any decision taken by the action committee that issued the bandh call.

Several prominent farmer organisations, including Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), BKU Ugrahan, BKU Lakhowal and Kisan Mazdoor Union, have announced support for the bandh.

Farmer leaders Sarwan Singh Pandher, Joginder Singh Ugrahan, Jagjit Singh Dallewal, Manjit Singh Rai, Harinder Singh Lakhowal and Ruldu Singh Mansa are among those who have appealed to the public to cooperate with the shutdown.

They have urged people to avoid unnecessary movement during the bandh as a mark of solidarity with the slain activist’s family.

Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher has also appealed to milk suppliers not to undertake their regular distribution activities during the bandh.

However, no statewide decision by milk suppliers’ associations to suspend services has been confirmed.

Punjab Beopar Mandal has not taken a collective decision to support or oppose the bandh.

The organisation has left the decision to individual shopkeepers and traders.

Consequently, market closures may vary from one city or locality to another, depending on local conditions and participation in the shutdown.

World MSME Forum president Badish Jindal has announced that the organisation does not support the bandh.

He said factories would operate as usual on October 15.

Jindal also said that the concerned police stations had been informed so that assistance could be sought if any difficulty arose during the bandh.

The Congress, Shiromani Akali Dal, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Waris Punjab De have announced their support for the October 15 shutdown.

Their participation, along with the support extended by farmer unions and other organisations, could increase the impact of the bandh in different parts of the state.

Jhota’s father Bhim Singh has appealed for the bandh to be observed peacefully and indicated that emergency services should be allowed to operate.

Nevertheless, people requiring urgent medical assistance should remain alert to possible road blockades and local traffic restrictions.

While SGPC institutions have announced a definite closure and some transport and commercial services may be affected, there is no general Punjab Government order shutting down all schools, offices, businesses or transport services.

The actual impact of the bandh is likely to vary across districts and cities, depending on participation by local organisations and the prevailing law-and-order situation.

Residents are advised to verify local arrangements before travelling or visiting educational institutions, government offices and commercial establishments.

The Chandigarh Bar Association has announced its support for the Punjab Bandh called on October 15 to protest the murder of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota.

The association has declared Thursday a ‘No Work Day’ in Chandigarh courts as a mark of solidarity with the bandh and the demand for justice for the slain activist.