Archive · 22 Aug 2026
Punjab Bandh Disrupts Traffic Over Sikh Prisoners’ Release
The Qaumi Insaaf Morcha organized a shutdown across Punjab.
It lasted from 7 a.m.
to 2 p.m.
on Friday.
The group wants the release of Sikh prisoners known as Bandi Singhs.
It also wants parole for Jagtar Singh Hawara to visit his seriously ill mother.
Many shops and markets closed in several cities.
Protesters blocked some roads, which made travel difficult for commuters.
Hospitals, ambulances and other urgent services were generally allowed to continue.
The bandh followed a confrontation between protesters and police at the Chandigarh-Mohali border on August 15.
The Qaumi Insaaf Morcha held a seven-hour Punjab bandh from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday.
Markets and shops closed in several districts, including Amritsar, Faridkot, Moga, Patiala, Sangrur and Mohali, while Ludhiana saw a mixed response.
Supporters blocked or slowed traffic in Mohali, Patiala, Jalandhar and other areas, although emergency vehicles were generally allowed to pass.
Nearly 7,500 private schools reportedly remained closed, while government schools were officially permitted to operate.
The bandh sought the release of Bandi Singhs and parole for Jagtar Singh Hawara, following an August 15 confrontation involving tear gas and water cannons.
- Who
- The Qaumi Insaaf Morcha organized the bandh with support from Sikh organizations, farmer groups and some Akali Dal factions.
- What
- A seven-hour statewide shutdown disrupted markets, traffic, public transport and private schools while demanding the release of Sikh prisoners.
- When
- Friday, from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.; it followed a confrontation on August 15.
- Where
- Across Punjab, with reported effects in Amritsar, Faridkot, Moga, Mohali, Patiala, Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Sangrur, Bathinda, Barnala, Hoshiarpur and Ferozepur.
- Why
- Organizers said some Bandi Singhs remain imprisoned despite completing their sentences and also sought parole for Jagtar Singh Hawara.
Protesters’ Position
Authorities’ Position
Release of prisoners
Protesters’ Position
The Qaumi Insaaf Morcha and supporting organizations say Bandi Singhs remain incarcerated despite completing their sentences and should be released.
Authorities’ Position
The articles do not report a government decision accepting or rejecting the broader release demand.
August 15 confrontation
Protesters’ Position
Protester representative Bapu Gurcharan Singh described the demonstration as peaceful and said authorities obstructed a fundamental democratic right to protest.
Authorities’ Position
Chandigarh SSP Kanwardeep Kaur said protesters had repeatedly been instructed to remain peaceful and alleged that some tried to break barricades and attack police; police reported injuries and detentions.
Bandh disruption
Protesters’ Position
Organizers and supporters used market closures and traffic blockades to press their demands while saying emergency services should be allowed through.
Authorities’ Position
Authorities deployed police across Punjab to maintain law and order and said essential services remained functional; reports described the response as mixed, with some areas largely unaffected by rain or partial participation.
- Organizer
- Qaumi Insaaf Morcha
- Duration
- Seven hours, from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Main demand
- Release of Sikh prisoners known as Bandi Singhs
- Additional demand
- Ten days of parole for Jagtar Singh Hawara to meet his ailing mother
- Major impact
- Market closures, road blockades, reduced traffic and disruptions to public transport
- Schools affected
- Nearly 7,500 private schools reportedly remained closed; government schools were officially allowed to open
- Exemptions
- Medical emergencies, hospitals, ambulances, airport travel, examinations, weddings and funerals were reported as exempt
Sources
Punjab bandh shuts Amritsar markets, halts vehicles in Mohali over Sikh prisoners
Tight Security at Chandigarh-Mohali Border Points as Qaumi Insaf Morcha's Punjab Bandh Kicks In
Punjab Bandh draws mixed response as Sikh Prisoners’ release remains key demand
Punjab bandh draws strong response
