Archive · 21 Aug 2026
Punjab Shutdown Partially Observed Over Sikh Prisoner Release Demands
Several Sikh groups asked for some prisoners to be released because they say the prisoners have already completed their sentences.
They called for businesses and institutions across Punjab to close until 2 p.m.
on Friday.
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, farmer groups and other organisations supported the shutdown.
Many shops, factories, private schools and some buses stopped operating.
Government schools and other government institutions stayed open.
The protest came after security forces stopped demonstrators near Mohali on August 15.
Those demonstrators had been trying to reach Chandigarh to protest outside the Governor’s residence.
The shutdown was only partly successful, and police said there had been no violence.
Students taking exams and people travelling for weddings, funerals or overseas trips were exempted.
Sikh religious and political organisations called a Punjab-wide shutdown until 2 p.m. on Friday.
The main demand was the release of Sikh inmates who have completed their prison terms.
The shutdown followed August 15 clashes near Mohali, where security forces used batons, tear gas and water cannons.
Markets, factories, private schools, commercial establishments and some private buses closed in several areas, while government institutes remained open.
The shutdown’s impact was partial, and police reported no violence while activists sought to restrict traffic on major routes.
- Who
- Sikh religious and political organisations, farmer groups, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar), Waris Punjab De and supporters of the Qaumi Insaf Morcha.
- What
- A statewide shutdown seeking the release of Sikh inmates who have completed their prison terms, as well as parole for Jagtar Singh Hawara.
- When
- Friday, until 2 p.m.; the call followed an August 15 incident near Mohali.
- Where
- Across Punjab, including markets, highways, rail tracks and toll collection centres; the earlier demonstration occurred near Mohali as protesters attempted to reach Chandigarh.
- Why
- Organisers said inmates who have completed their sentences should be released, and the shutdown also followed the use of security forces against demonstrators.
Shutdown Organisers and Supporters
Authorities and Continuing Institutions
Release of inmates
Shutdown Organisers and Supporters
Organisers and supporters said Sikh inmates who have completed their prison terms should be freed, and they also sought parole for Jagtar Singh Hawara.
Authorities and Continuing Institutions
The reports do not state that authorities accepted these demands; government educational institutes continued operating normally.
Public disruption
Shutdown Organisers and Supporters
Organisers called for closures and sit-ins at rail tracks, highways and toll centres, while asking protesters to remain peaceful and avoid disrupting emergency medical services.
Authorities and Continuing Institutions
Police reported no violence, but Qaumi Insaf Morcha activists were deployed on state and national highways to stop traffic movement.
Participation
Shutdown Organisers and Supporters
Farmer organisations, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee and other groups supported the shutdown, while many private institutions and businesses closed.
Authorities and Continuing Institutions
The shutdown’s impact was partial, and government institutions remained open, although student attendance was thin.
- Shutdown duration
- Until 2 p.m. on Friday
- Location
- Punjab
- Main demand
- Release of Sikh inmates who have completed their prison terms
- Additional demand
- Parole for Jagtar Singh Hawara, who is serving a life sentence
- Earlier incident
- Security forces used batons, tear gas and water cannons near Mohali on August 15
- Impact
- The shutdown was partial, with closures reported among markets, factories, private schools, commercial establishments and some private bus operators
- Exemptions
- Students travelling for exams and people travelling for weddings, funerals or overseas trips
