Punjab Bandh: Mixed Response, Heavy Security as Qaumi Insaf Morcha's Shutdown Begins
The statewide shutdown (bandh) called by the Qaumi Insaf Morcha on Friday (August 21, 2026) to demand the release of Sikh prisoners held in various jails across the country received a mixed response in Punjab. While rural areas saw a near-complete closure of shops and commercial establishments, major cities such as Patiala and Ludhiana reported partial shutdowns, according to initial reports.
Protesters squatted on roads at several locations, including Patiala and Mohali, causing disruption in vehicular traffic. With buses staying off the roads in support of the bandh, commuters faced significant inconvenience. Heavy police deployment was reported at multiple locations across the state, including Amritsar, Ludhiana, Jalandhar, and the Chandigarh-Mohali border points, to maintain law and order.
The Qaumi Insaf Morcha is a protest movement campaigning for the release of Sikh prisoners whom it describes as 'Bandi Singhs' (captive Sikhs). Morcha leaders claim that several of these prisoners have completed their sentences but continue to remain in jail. The Morcha has been demanding parole for Jagtar Singh Hawara, who is serving a life sentence for the assassination of then-Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh in 1995. It has also sought the release of Balwant Singh Rajoana, a convict in the same assassination case, and Devinderpal Singh Bhullar, who is serving a sentence in connection with a 1993 bomb blast case in Delhi.
The shutdown call has received support from various organisations, including the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), Shiromani Akali Dal (Punar Surjit), and Shiromani Akali Dal Waris Punjab De. Farmers' bodies like Bharti Kisan Union (Rajewal) have also extended support, while Kisan Mazdoor Morcha leader Sarwan Singh Pandher has urged people to make the bandh a success.
According to Morcha leaders, essential services such as medical emergencies, travel to airports, examinations, and wedding ceremonies have been exempted from the shutdown. This was earlier reported by PTI.
In a related development, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has met Governor Gulab Chand Kataria and reportedly favoured a 10-day parole for Jagtar Singh Hawara so that he could meet his ailing mother. The Morcha has been holding a prolonged protest at Sector 52-53 in Chandigarh and the adjacent YPS Chowk in Mohali since January 7, 2023, as part of its campaign.
The bandh is being observed amid tight security arrangements, and authorities have urged the public to cooperate in maintaining peace. Further updates on the situation are awaited as the day progresses.
