Punjab Bandh Over Parvinder Jhotta Murder: Highways Blocked, Schools Shut
A statewide bandh was observed across Punjab following the recent murder of anti-drug activist Parvinder Jhotta in Mansa. The shutdown call was issued by an action committee, along with his family and supporters demanding justice. Demonstrators blocked key transit routes, including Airport Road and the Chandigarh-Ludhiana Highway toll plaza, using tractor-trolleys to stop traffic and causing long vehicular queues during morning commute hours. The shutdown led to the closure of schools, shops, and local markets across several parts of the state as public anger over the activist's killing spilled onto the streets.