Punjab Bandh Today, October 15: Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur, Kapurthala and SBS Nagar See Shutdown as Schools Close and Transport Faces Disruptions – Check Full List of What is Open and Closed

Punjab Bandh Today, 15 October: The Punjab bandh on October 15 has disrupted daily life across several districts, with protesters blocking major highways, markets shutting their doors and private educational institutions suspending classes in parts of the state. The shutdown follows the killing of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota in Mansa on October 13. His family and supporters have called for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe and accountability from the state government and police leadership.

The bandh was scheduled from 6 AM to 5 PM, with political parties, farmer organisations, trade unions and the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) extending support.

Punjab Bandh Today: Latest Updates From Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur and Other Districts

The shutdown has had a strong impact in the Doaba region, covering Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur, Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar and Kapurthala. Protesters have blocked several national and state highways, while private schools and colleges in these four districts have remained closed. Government schools have reported low attendance.

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In Jalandhar, protesters blocked the Amritsar–New Delhi highway near Paragpur village. Police began detaining some demonstrators to clear the national highway and restore traffic. Hoshiarpur also witnessed road blockades at several locations, while commercial establishments in affected areas shut their doors as protesters appealed to shopkeepers to support the shutdown.

The bandh has also affected traffic in Patiala district, where protesters blocked the Bathinda–Chandigarh National Highway near the Dhareri Jattan toll plaza. Reports said the toll plaza was made toll-free during the protest. The extent of disruption varies by location, with road access and public transport particularly affected in areas where demonstrators have gathered.

Punjab Bandh Today 15 October: Why is Punjab Observing a Bandh Today?

The shutdown follows the killing of Parvinder Singh Jhota, an anti-drug activist who was shot dead in Mansa on October 13. Jhota had campaigned against drug abuse and alleged illegal sales of addictive medicines. His death triggered protests and renewed demands for stronger action against drug-related activities in Punjab.

Jhota’s family, led by his father Bhim Singh, called for the statewide bandh from 6 am to 5 pm on October 15. The family and supporters want a CBI investigation into the killing and have demanded accountability from Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav. They have also sought action against officials they believe failed to prevent the incident. These are demands raised by the protesters and do not represent findings of an independent investigation.

The bandh has received support from several political parties, farmer organisations, trade unions and social groups. The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has also backed the shutdown and announced that its offices and constituent institutions would remain closed on October 15.

Punjab Bandh Today 15 October: Who Was Parvinder Singh Jhota?

Parvinder Singh Jhota was known for speaking out against drug abuse and the alleged sale of addictive substances through medical stores. According to reports, he confronted medical store owner Ashwani Kumar over the alleged sale of addictive medicines before Kumar allegedly shot him during a confrontation in Mansa.