Markets remain shut at many places in Punjab on sanitation workers' 'bandh' call

Markets and commercial establishments remained shut in many places in Punjab on July 30, 2026, following a state-level 'bandh' call by sanitation workers.

The 'bandh' was in protest against the Barnala lathi-charge incident on July 22, where police used force on sanitation workers during a cleanliness drive.

Sanitation workers demanded action against police officials involved, including dismissal of the suspended deputy superintendent of police and registration of a case under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Act.

Hospitals, medical stores, ambulance services, and other emergency services remained functional despite the shutdown.

The 'bandh' was supported by various employee unions and Dalit organizations, with protests held in Barnala, Hoshiarpur, Sangrur, Tarn Taran, and Samana.