'Bandi Singh' protesters call shutdown in Punjab; transport, markets to be hit

The Qaumi Insaaf Morcha has been protesting for the release of Sikh prisoners who, it says, have remained behind bars for decades despite having completed their sentences or becoming eligible for release.On Aug 15, Qaumi Insaaf Morcha protesters clashed with police while trying to march to the Governor's House. (PTI Photo)A Sikh body demanding the release of Sikh prisoners, or “Bandi Singhs”, who have remained behind bars for decades despite completing their sentences, has called for a seven-hour shutdown across Punjab today.The shutdown, from 7 am to 2 pm, is expected to affect markets, road transport and train services and educational institutions, with several organisations backing the call.The Qaumi Insaaf Morcha has been protesting for the release of Sikh prisoners who, it says, have remained behind bars for decades despite having completed their sentences or becoming eligible for release.A central demand is parole for Jagtar Singh Hawara, who is serving a life sentence in connection with the 1995 assassination of former Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh. The broader “Bandi Singhs” demand relates to Sikh prisoners convicted in cases linked to militancy during Punjab's insurgency in the 1980s and 1990s.Besides Hawara, the Morcha has sought the release of Balwant Singh Rajoana, convicted in the Beant Singh assassination case, and Devinderpal Singh Bhullar, who was convicted in connection with the 1993 Delhi bomb blast case. The Qaumi Insaaf Morcha has been maintaining a prolonged protest at the Chandigarh-Mohali border since January 2023, demanding action on the release of the prisoners.The Morcha had attempted to march towards the Punjab Governor's residence on August 15 to press for their demands, especially for Hawara's parole to meet his ailing mother.Chandigarh Police had stopped the protesters with barricades after warning that they would not be permitted to proceed.Police used water cannons and tear gas after some protesters attempted to breach the barricades. Police also claim that protesters threw stones, injuring some personnel.Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has met the Governor and supported a 10-day parole for Hawara.WHO HAS BACKED THE SHUTDOWN CALLThe bandh has received backing from several Sikh and farmers' organisations.The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has extended its support and announced that its offices and institutions will remain closed on Friday. Its executive committee meeting scheduled for Friday has also been shifted to Saturday.The Shiromani Akali Dal (Punar Surjit General) and SAD Waris Punjab De have also backed the shutdown.Farmers' organisations, including the Bharatiya Kisan Union (Rajewal), have extended support, while Kisan Mazdoor Morcha leader Sarwan Singh Pandher has appealed to people to make the bandh successful.The SAD (Punar Surjit) has accused the government of suppressing voices demanding the release of the Bandi Singhs and urged people to participate in the shutdown.SCHOOLS,UNIVERSITY EXAMS AFFECTEDThe Federation of Private Schools and Association of Punjab, which represents more than 7,500 private schools, has announced a holiday today, citing student safety.Panjab University has also postponed examinations scheduled for Friday for candidates who had been unable to appear earlier. Those exams will now be held on September 10.The Morcha has said essential services, including medical emergencies, will be exempt from the shutdown.Travel related to airports, examinations and wedding ceremonies has also been allowed.The extent of disruption to markets, public transport, highways and rail services is expected to vary across the state.- Ends(With PTI inputs)Published By: Karishma Saurabh KalitaPublished On: Aug 21, 2026 08:35 IST