Punjab observes statewide shutdown over release of Sikh prisoners

A statewide shutdown, or bandh, was observed in Punjab on Friday morning, called by the Qaumi Insaf Morcha and supported by various Sikh religious and political organizations. The protest aims to demand the release of Sikh prisoners, referred to as ‘Bandi Singhs’, whom organizers claim have remained incarcerated despite completing their sentences or becoming eligible for release.

The shutdown was scheduled from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., resulting in the closure of markets, shops, and several private educational institutions. While many commercial establishments and private bus operators supported the call, government educational institutes continued normal operations. Protesters also called for sit-in demonstrations on highways, rail tracks, and toll collection centers.

In response to the potential for unrest, authorities implemented heavy security deployments across the state, including in Amritsar, Ludhiana, Jalandhar, and at the Chandigarh-Mohali border. The Rapid Action Force was among the units deployed to manage the situation. The shutdown follows recent tensions at the Mohali border involving security forces and demonstrators. No reports of violence were immediately noted by officials.