Archive · 21 Aug 2026
Punjab Bandh Over Sikh Prisoners, Alongside National News Updates
A group called the Qaumi Insaf Morcha held a shutdown protest in Punjab.
The group wants Sikh prisoners who have finished their sentences to be released.
The shutdown was planned for several hours, and police asked people to remain peaceful.
Emergency vehicles and people going to weddings or funerals were still allowed to travel.
Heavy rain delayed some protesters in Moga.
In Mumbai, a crane fell and injured eight people during preparations for a demolition operation.
In Pakistan, former Prime Minister Imran Khan was taken to a hospital for a medical checkup.
Reports said he may have gone back to prison, but officials had not confirmed that.
The Qaumi Insaf Morcha called a Punjab-wide bandh from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. to seek the release of Sikh prisoners who have completed their sentences.
Police deployed heavy security in Moga, while emergency vehicles and people attending weddings or funerals were allowed to pass.
A crane collapsed in Mumbai’s Kurla during preparations for an eviction and demolition drive, injuring eight people.
Six Kurla accident victims were taken to Sion Hospital and two to Kurla Bhabha Hospital; their conditions were not immediately known.
Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan was taken from jail to an Islamabad hospital for examination, with reports later saying he may have returned to prison without official confirmation.
- Who
- The Qaumi Insaf Morcha, Punjab police, Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority officials, and Imran Khan are among those involved in the reported developments.
- What
- Punjab held a bandh over the release of Sikh prisoners who completed their sentences; a crane collapse injured eight people in Kurla; and Imran Khan was moved to a hospital for examination.
- When
- The updates were reported on Friday, August 21, 2026; the Punjab bandh was scheduled from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Where
- The bandh took place across Punjab, with specific security arrangements in Moga; the crane accident occurred in Qureshi Nagar, Kurla, Mumbai; Khan was taken to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad.
- Why
- The bandh was called to press for the release of Sikh prisoners who have completed their sentences; the crane was being mounted for an eviction and demolition drive; Khan was taken for a medical examination after supporters raised health concerns.
Protesters and Supporters
Authorities and Official Concerns
Punjab bandh demand
Protesters and Supporters
The Qaumi Insaf Morcha called the statewide shutdown to seek the release of Sikh prisoners who have completed their sentences.
Authorities and Official Concerns
Police focused on preventing disruption, urged protesters to remain peaceful, and said emergency services would continue functioning.
School and college closures
Protesters and Supporters
The Morcha appealed to schools and colleges to remain closed during the bandh.
Authorities and Official Concerns
The article does not report a separate response from school or college authorities.
Imran Khan’s medical care
Protesters and Supporters
Khan’s supporters had long demanded medical attention and raised concerns about his health during his imprisonment.
Authorities and Official Concerns
A later report said he had been taken back to prison, but there was no official confirmation of his return.
- Punjab bandh timing
- Scheduled from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday
- Bandh demand
- Release of Sikh prisoners who have completed their sentences
- Moga arrangements
- Heavy police security was deployed, and emergency vehicles were allowed to pass
- Kurla accident
- Eight people were injured after a crane collapsed in Qureshi Nagar
- Hospital treatment
- Six injured people were taken to Sion Hospital and two to Kurla Bhabha Hospital
- Imran Khan
- He was shifted from jail to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad for a medical examination
- Palghar protest
- A hunger strike over poor roads and inadequate infrastructure had reached its sixth day