MOHALI, AUGUST 21 — A shutdown call issued by the Qaumi Insaaf Morcha impacted routine life in Mohali on Friday morning, resulting in sparse morning traffic, road diversions, and altered school schedules.
Law enforcement officials deployed substantial personnel to maintain order while keeping primary commuter routes open where feasible. “Rest all entry and exit points are open for road users and commuters,” stated DSP City-2 Harsimran Singh Bal, referencing specific barricading operations near YPS Chowk and the Jail Road border point with Chandigarh.
To prevent law and order disruptions across the Tricity region, police authorities put more than 1,000 officers in Mohali and 800 personnel in Chandigarh on high alert.
Traffic came to a standstill at key intersections due to tactical blockades set up by demonstrator groups. Protesters parked tractor-trolleys across the Gopal Sweets light point in Kharar, blocking all passing traffic, while another blockade disrupted movement at the Cheema Boiler light point along the main Mohali road.
In addition, various farmer outfits joined the protest at the Azizpur toll plaza, voicing support for the demand concerning the release of Bandi Singhs. Demonstrators also began gathering in small groups at prominent road junctions, though without active rallies.
Educational institutions made adaptive changes in response to the call. Most private schools moved to virtual classes, government schools registered sparse attendance, and private institutions across Dera Bassi and Lalru remained completely shut.
Addressing the educational disruptions, SP City Dilpreet Singh affirmed that official mandates were not issued to institutions. “There are no restrictions from our side. Schools and institutions are doing it voluntarily,” he maintained.
Commercial establishments showed varied reactions during early hours. Public transport stayed off the roads, and small and large shops in Lalru remained closed as business owners monitored the evolving situation.
