# Punjab protests for Sikh prisoner release

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/punjab-protests-for-sikh-prisoner-release
> Updated: 2026-08-21T03:05:22.000Z. Sources: 12. Developments: 2.

The Qaumi Insaaf Morcha called for a seven-hour statewide shutdown, or bandh, in Punjab on August 21. The protest aims to demand the release of Sikh prisoners, known as ‘Bandi Singhs’, and the granting of parole to Jagtar Singh Hawara, while protesting recent police actions at the Mohali-Chandigarh border.

The shutdown, supported by organizations such as the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) and the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), resulted in the closure of commercial markets, shops, and many private schools. While government educational institutes and essential services like hospitals remained operational, public transport and highways faced disruptions.

To manage potential unrest, authorities deployed heavy security, including the Rapid Action Force, across several areas including Amritsar, Ludhiana, Jalandhar, and the Chandigarh-Mohali border. No immediate reports of violence were noted during the observance.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-21: Punjab observes statewide shutdown over release of Sikh prisoners

Sikh religious and political groups led a statewide shutdown in Punjab on Friday to demand the release of Sikh prisoners who have completed their sentences.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/punjab-observes-statewide-shutdown-over-release-of-sikh-prisoners

### 2026-08-20: Punjab observes seven-hour shutdown over Sikh prisoner release demands

A seven-hour statewide shutdown was called in Punjab on August 21 by the Qaumi Insaaf Morcha to demand the release of Sikh prisoners and parole for Jagtar Singh Hawara.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/punjab-bandh-called-for-august-21-over-bandi-sikh-release-demands

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Cite as: Punjab protests for Sikh prisoner release. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/punjab-protests-for-sikh-prisoner-release