The Punjab bandh call given by the Qaumi Insaaf Morcha seeking the release of Sikh prisoners who have completed their sentences evoked a strong response in this border district.Since early morning, shops in key commercial areas of both the city and the cantonment remained shut as traders voluntarily observed the bandh. A few establishments, including some banks that had opened in the morning, were subsequently closed after protesters reached there.Overall, the bandh remained peaceful and no untoward incident was reported from anywhere in the district. Major markets, private schools and several private establishments remained closed.Earlier, the protesters blocked Octroi No. 7, a key exit point from Ferozepur towards Zira and Ludhiana, disrupting traffic movement. They raised slogans against the government while demanding the release of Sikh prisoners who, they claimed, had completed their sentences long ago. The blockade caused inconvenience to commuters headed towards Ludhiana and Zira.Public transport services also remained suspended during the bandh, leaving a large number of passengers stranded at bus stands and other points. Many commuters were forced to wait for hours or make alternative arrangements to reach their destinations. Traffic on several city roads remained considerably lighter than usual.Lakhbir Singh Mahalam, a member of the Qaumi Insaaf Morcha, said people across the border district had extended full support to the bandh. “A few banks had opened in the morning, but they have now been closed,” he said.Jaskaran Singh Kahan Singh Wala, one of the protesters, alleged that the Punjab and Central Governments were working in collusion and accused them of deliberately delaying the release of Sikh prisoners despite several of them having completed their sentences. He demanded the immediate release of all prisoners who had completed their terms.During the bandh, government offices functioned normally while private schools remained closed. In Zira and Guru Har Sahai too, the bandh remained peaceful, with markets and business establishments remaining closed in response to the call.The police administration had made elaborate security arrangements in view of the bandh. Police personnel were deployed at sensitive locations and traffic movement was closely monitored to prevent any untoward incident.SSP Bhupinder Singh said adequate security arrangements had been made and no untoward incident had been reported from anywhere in the district.