Patients, passengers, office-goers: No one spared as Qaumi Insaaf Morcha enforces Bandh in Mohali

Patients, passengers and office‑goers found themselves caught in the grip of a sudden shutdown called by the Qaumi Insaaf Morcha in Mohali. The group announced a complete closure of commercial establishments across the state, effective from 7 am until 2 pm, to press for the release of Sikh prisoners who were detained during the militancy years.

The enforced silence rippled through daily life. People heading to hospitals encountered locked doors and limited transport options, while commuters faced fewer vehicles on the roads. Office workers, already navigating tight schedules, were forced to halt their routines as shops and businesses remained shuttered.

The demand at the heart of the bandh is clear. The Morcha seeks the unconditional release of those Sikh individuals who remain imprisoned from the era of armed conflict, a period that continues to shape public memory and political discourse in the region. By imposing the shutdown, the group aims to draw attention to what it describes as an unresolved historical grievance.

Commercial establishments, ranging from small grocery stores to larger retail outlets, were ordered to stay closed for the five‑hour window. The directive left many storefronts dark, and the usual bustle of market activity was replaced by an uneasy quiet. While the exact number of people affected cannot be quantified, the reach of the closure was evident in the experiences of those who tried to move through the city.

The bandh reflects a broader pattern of public protests that have sought to influence policy and public sentiment regarding the legacy of the militancy period. In recent years, similar calls have emerged, often invoking the experiences of families and communities still bearing the scars of that conflict. The current action in Mohali adds to that ongoing dialogue, highlighting how historical issues can surface in present‑day civic life.

Overall, the shutdown underscores the tangible impact of political activism on everyday routines. For patients needing medical care, passengers relying on transport, and professionals heading to work, the five‑hour window represented a disruption that was both unexpected and total. The Morcha’s focus on the release of Sikh prisoners ties the present moment to a longer historical narrative, ensuring that the conversation about the past remains alive in the streets of Mohali.

Source: Hindustan Times