Punjab witnessed protests and shutdown-related disruptions on Thursday, October 15, following a statewide bandh called over the murder of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota in Mansa. Farmer organisations, political parties, trade unions and social groups have extended support to the bandh, which is scheduled from 6 AM to 5 PM.
The protesters are demanding a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into Jhota’s killing and accountability over the drug menace in Punjab, however, the impact on markets, public transport, educational institutions and government offices varies across locations. There is no confirmed statewide order closing all markets, public transport services or government offices.
In Amritsar, farmers and supporters led by Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee leader Sarwan Singh Pandher staged a protest at the Golden Gate, protesters raised slogans against the Bhagwant Mann government and burnt an effigy of the Chief Minister despite rain.
Farmer organisations and other groups had also announced plans to block National Highway-44, which connects Amritsar with Delhi. Security was tightened in the city in view of the bandh.
In Jalandhar, police personnel were deployed at major intersections, markets and other sensitive locations. Around 300 police personnel were deployed across the city between 7 AM and 7 PM to maintain law and order.
Police removed supporters who gathered at Guru Nanak Mission Chowk during the bandh, and some protesters were taken into custody. Officials have appealed to demonstrators to protest peacefully and warned against forcibly closing markets or blocking public movement.
In Mansa, protests have continued following Jhota’s killing. Tensions escalated on Wednesday when protesters vandalised and set fire to the accused's medical store. Authorities also demolished part of the accused's house, citing alleged unauthorised construction. Police barricades were placed on roads leading to the town amid concerns over further unrest.
Two schools in Jalandhar, Police DAV Public School and Cambridge International School, have announced a holiday for Thursday, October 15, in view of the bandh.
The closure status of other schools and colleges may vary. There is no confirmation of a blanket statewide holiday for all educational institutions. Parents have been advised to check official school communications for updates.
The bandh has affected business and public movement in some areas, but a complete statewide closure of markets has not been officially confirmed.
In several places, traders and businesses have reportedly supported the shutdown. However, the status of individual markets depends on local participation. Police in Jalandhar have made it clear that no one will be allowed to forcibly shut shops or obstruct public movement.
Public transport services, including buses, have not been confirmed as completely suspended across Punjab. Commuters should check local transport updates before travelling, particularly on routes where protests or road blockades have been announced.
There is also no statewide official confirmation that all government offices will remain closed. Residents should check local administration advisories before visiting offices or planning journeys.
The Action Committee has announced that the Sirsa-Ludhiana main road will remain closed until its demands are met. Farmers' organisations had also announced plans for highway blockades, including on NH-44. Road conditions may therefore vary during the bandh.
The shutdown follows the murder of Parvinder Singh Jhota, a 45-year-old anti-drug activist who was shot dead in Mansa on Tuesday, October 13.
Jhota was livestreaming a confrontation with medical store owner Ashwani Kumar over the alleged sale of addictive medicines when the shooting took place. Police arrested the main accused in Rajasthan on Wednesday and investigators have said that the role of other people who may have been involved in an alleged conspiracy will also be examined.
Jhota's family and organisations supporting the bandh have demanded a CBI investigation into the murder. The Action Committee has also sought a post-mortem examination by a medical board from PGIMER, Chandigarh.
Jhota's father, Bhim Singh, has demanded the resignation of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav. The family has also refused to cremate Jhota's body until its demands for justice are addressed.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has promised strict punishment for those found responsible for the killing. He has reiterated that his government follows a zero-tolerance policy towards drugs and said that no one involved in the illegal trade would be protected.
The Chief Minister has also appealed to people to maintain peace while assuring them that the investigation will examine the responsibility of those involved.
The Congress, BJP, Shiromani Akali Dal and Akali Dal Waris Punjab De are among the political groups that have extended support to the bandh. Farmer unions, employee organisations and social groups have also backed the shutdown.
