The Punjab bandh, called in protest against the alleged police lathi-charge on sanitation workers in Barnala and in support of the pending demands of Punjab sanitation employees, witnessed a widespread impact in Kapurthala on Thursday. Most markets across the city remained completely shut, while medical stores and other emergency services continued to function normally.
Following the bandh call given by Gopal Thapar, State President of the Punjab Safai Sewak Employees' Union, several schools in Kapurthala also declared a holiday. Traders and shopkeepers extended full support to the sanitation workers' strike by keeping their business establishments closed.
Union leaders stated that sanitation workers have been on strike for several days over their long-pending demands. The alleged lathi-charge on protesting workers in Barnala has further intensified resentment among employees. They alleged that no stringent action has been taken so far against the police officials responsible for the incident.
State President Gopal Thapar said that the agitation and strike would continue until strict action is taken against the concerned police officers. He also urged the Punjab government to take an early and positive decision on the demands of sanitation workers.
The bandh left the city's main markets largely deserted, disrupting normal public life. However, the continued operation of medical stores and healthcare-related establishments provided relief to residents requiring essential services.
