India, Aug. 21 -- The Punjab bandh called by the Qaumi Insaaf Morcha received a strong response across the state on Friday, with markets, educational institutions and commercial establishments remaining closed in several areas. Traffic movement was also affected at a number of places.

Several Sikh organisations backed the bandh, including the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), Shiromani Akali Dal (Punar Surjit) and Shiromani Akali Dal Waris Punjab De. Farmer groups and other Panthic organisations also extended their support to the protest.

The issue of Bandi Singhs has remained a contentious issue in Punjab for years. Panthic organisations and rights activists have repeatedly called for the release of prisoners who, they co...