1 week ago
Punjab's Bandi Singhs Issue Remains Unresolved Amid Political Opportunism
Some Sikh prisoners in Punjab and elsewhere have supporters who want them released.
These prisoners are called the Bandi Singhs.
Punjab recently held a bandh, meaning many shops and buses stopped for a day to draw attention to the demand.
The protest was peaceful.
The list of prisoners has become smaller over time, falling from 119 names to about 21.
Several political parties have supported the demand at different times.
Critics say the parties often speak more strongly when they are out of power or when elections are near.
The families of the prisoners have been waiting for answers for many years.
Punjab’s latest bandh demanding the release of Sikh prisoners passed peacefully, with markets shut and buses off the roads.
The campaign’s list has fallen from 119 names in 2013 to around 21 after releases, deaths and legal action.
The Shiromani Akali Dal, Bharatiya Janata Party, Indian National Congress and Aam Aadmi Party have all faced criticism over incomplete action.
Panthic parties consistently support the demand, while supporters say the issue concerns long waits for prisoners and their families.
The issue attracts votes in particular areas, but recent election results suggest support depends on individual candidates and broader political concerns.
- Who
- Supporters of the Bandi Singhs, political parties, Panthic groups and families of Sikh prisoners are involved; the prisoners include Balwant Singh Rajoana, Jagtar Singh Hawara and Devinderpal Singh Bhullar.
- What
- A bandh and continuing political campaign are demanding the release or review of Sikh prisoners, with critics arguing that governments have not resolved the matter.
- Where
- The bandh took place across Punjab, while a permanent protest camp operates at the Chandigarh-Mohali border.
- When
- The campaign began in 2013; the latest bandh occurred this week, while the Aam Aadmi Party’s recent push came in August.
- Why
- Supporters seek the release of prisoners and an end to prolonged uncertainty, while political parties have also used the issue for electoral mobilization.
Supporters and Panthic Groups
Government and Political Critics
Release of prisoners
Supporters and Panthic Groups
Supporters argue that Sikh prisoners should be released or receive parole after long periods in custody, and that families have endured decades of waiting.
Government and Political Critics
Governments and critics point to legal complications, jurisdictional limits and the seriousness of the convictions, including cases handled outside Punjab.
Political responsibility
Supporters and Panthic Groups
Panthic groups and supporting politicians say successive governments have failed to resolve the issue despite repeated promises and protests.
Government and Political Critics
Critics argue that major parties often revive the demand when in opposition or near elections, while taking limited action when in power.
Electoral influence
Supporters and Panthic Groups
The victories of Amritpal Singh and Sarabjit Singh Khalsa indicate continuing support for Panthic and anti-establishment politics in parts of Punjab.
Government and Political Critics
The article says those victories cannot be attributed solely to the Bandi Singhs issue, and Simranjit Singh Mann’s defeat showed that the sentiment does not automatically benefit every supporter.
Key facts
- Original list
- The campaign reportedly sought the release of 119 Sikh prisoners in 2013.
- Current list
- The number has fallen to around 21 after releases, deaths and legal action.
- Shiromani Akali Dal government
- The Shiromani Akali Dal governed Punjab from 2007 to 2017 and pursued prisoner-release measures, but the issue remained unresolved.
- 2019 notification
- The central government reportedly issued a notification concerning eight Sikh prisoners; three were already out, three were later released, and Devinderpal Singh Bhullar and Gurdeep Singh Khera remained unresolved.
- Recent government action
- Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann sought parole for Jagtar Singh Hawara from Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria in August.
- Recent election results
- Amritpal Singh won Khadoor Sahib by nearly 1.97 lakh votes, while Sarabjit Singh Khalsa won Faridkot by about 70,000 votes in the 2024 Lok Sabha election.
- Devinderpal Singh Bhullar case
- Delhi’s Sentence Review Board considered his case in December 2025, and the rejection was formally communicated in February 2026.
Sources
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