Punjab is observing a seven-hour bandh today, August 21, after the Qaumi Insaaf Morcha called for a statewide shutdown from 7 am to 2 pm demanding the release of Sikh prisoners, referred to as Bandi Singhs.

The bandh is expected to affect schools and several institutions, while essential services and certain categories of travel will continue.

What will remain closed in Punjab today?

Private schools: The Federation of Private Schools and Association of Punjab (FAP), which represents more than 7,500 private schools in the state, has announced a holiday for August 21. The decision was taken citing the safety of students.

SGPC offices and institutions: The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has announced that its offices and institutions will remain closed in support of the bandh. Its executive committee meeting scheduled for August 21 has also been shifted to August 22.

Panjab University exams: Panjab University has postponed exams scheduled for August 21 for students who had not been able to appear for them earlier. These exams will now be conducted on September 10.

Several organisations, including the Shiromani Akali Dal (Punar Surjit General), SAD Waris Punjab De and farmer organisations, have also extended support to the bandh.

What will remain open?

  • The Qaumi Insaaf Morcha has said that essential medical services and emergencies will be allowed during the bandh.
  • Travel to airports, attendance at weddings and certain examinations will also be permitted, according to the Morcha.

The group had appealed to traders, shopkeepers, commercial establishments, transporters and educational institutions to support the shutdown.

Why has the Punjab Bandh been called?

The bandh has been called by the Qaumi Insaaf Morcha as part of its campaign seeking the release of Bandi Singhs and parole for Jagtar Singh Hawara.

Hawara is serving a life sentence in connection with the 1995 assassination of then Punjab chief minister Beant Singh. The Morcha has been demanding parole for him, including to allow him to meet his ailing mother.

The group is also seeking the release of other prisoners, including Balwant Singh Rajoana and Devinderpal Singh Bhullar.

The Morcha had earlier called for a march towards the Punjab governor's residence on August 15 over these demands. Chandigarh Police used tear gas shells and water cannons to disperse protesters who attempted to breach barricades during the march.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has met the governor and supported a 10-day parole for Hawara so that he can meet his ailing mother.

The Qaumi Insaaf Morcha has been holding its protest along the Sector 52-53 area in Chandigarh and at YPS Chowk in Mohali since January 7, 2023, as part of its campaign for the release of Sikh prisoners.

With PTI inputs