Punjab observes seven-hour shutdown over Sikh prisoner release demands

The Qaumi Insaaf Morcha has called for a seven-hour statewide shutdown in Punjab on Friday, August 21, from 7:00 am to 2:00 pm. The protest aims to demand the release of Sikh prisoners, known as Bandi Singhs, the granting of parole to Jagtar Singh Hawara, and protest against recent police actions at the Mohali-Chandigarh border.

The bandh has received support from several major organizations, including the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), and various farmer and labor unions.

Impact on daily life includes the closure of many private schools, SGPC institutions, and commercial markets. Panjab University has postponed scheduled exams. While public transport and highways have faced disruptions—including reports of 800 buses remaining off the roads in Ludhiana—essential services such as hospitals, ambulances, medical stores, and emergency services remain operational. Security has been heightened at the Chandigarh-Mohali border to prevent unrest.