Commercial establishments, private schools, and major markets remained closed throughout key cities including Ludhiana, Ferozepur, Hoshiarpur, Sangrur, and Phagwara. Normal life came to a standstill across several commercial hubs in Punjab on Thursday following a state level strike called by sanitation workers. The widespread protest erupted in response to a police lathi charge on sanitation staff in Barnala on July 22, triggering public anger and market shutdowns. Commercial establishments, private schools, and major markets remained closed throughout key cities including Ludhiana, Ferozepur, Hoshiarpur, Sangrur, and Phagwara. While police officials confirmed that the strike remained peaceful, government authorities have constituted a Special Investigation Team to thoroughly probe the original Barnala incident.