Shops, markets, and private schools across multiple districts in Punjab remained closed during a statewide bandh called in response to the murder of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota in Mansa. Protesters blocked several roadways, prompting authorities to implement traffic diversions, though essential services including hospitals and chemist shops stayed operational.
The shutdown was called by Jhota's family with backing from the Congress, Shiromani Akali Dal, BJP, Akali Dal Waris Punjab De, Samyukta Kisan Morcha, various farmer unions, and state government employee organizations. Jhota was widely recognized for his advocacy against drug abuse and the unauthorized sale of addictive substances at local chemist shops.
The activist was shot inside a medical store located in a busy Mansa market while conducting a Facebook Live broadcast. According to reports, the store owner, Ashwani Kumar, opened fire after Jhota confronted him regarding the alleged sale of addictive drugs to an elderly man. Kumar was subsequently apprehended in Salasar, Rajasthan, and the killing has intensified political tensions in the state ahead of upcoming elections.
Commercial establishments and educational institutions closed down in numerous locations, including Hoshiarpur, Amritsar, Ferozepur, Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Sangrur, Barnala, Moga, Patiala, and Mansa. Certain toll plazas in Ludhiana and Patiala suspended fee collection to show support for the strike. Private schools and institutions like Rayat Bahra University declared a holiday in multiple regions.
In Amritsar, members of the Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee staged a demonstration against the Aam Aadmi Party administration, burning an effigy of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. Protesters criticized the government over its handling of the drug crisis, with leaders calling for the resignations of Mann and Punjab Police Director General Gaurav Yadav. Additional protest marches and demonstrations took place in Hoshiarpur and other towns.
Transportation services experienced disruptions as demonstrators blocked highways and major intersections, affecting bus routes operated by Punjab Roadways, PUNBUS, and PRTC. Meanwhile, local officials confirmed that police units had been deployed across the state to maintain order, with law enforcement describing the overall situation as peaceful.
A joint action committee formed in the wake of the killing has pressed for a CBI investigation, the dismissal of local law enforcement officials and the drug inspector, and the resignations of the chief minister and police chief. While opposition figures accused the administration of failing to maintain law and order, Chief Minister Mann pledged the maximum possible penalty for the suspect.