2 weeks ago
Video Of Jailed Extremist Surfaces Ahead Of Bandi Sikh March
In Punjab, India, some people are planning a march on August 15 to ask the government to free Sikh prisoners who have been in jail for a very long time.
A video has appeared online that seems to show a famous prisoner named Jagtar Singh Hawara asking everyone to stay peaceful during the march.
Hawara was found guilty of assassinating Beant Singh, who used to be the chief minister of Punjab.
No one can be sure yet that the video is real.
The group organizing the march is called the Qaumi Insaaf Morcha.
They have been protesting near the Chandigarh-Mohali border since January 7, 2023.
An important Sikh religious body called the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee is also supporting the march.
The Punjab government has asked for Hawara to get parole, which is a short release from prison.
The high court has told the local administrations to take safety steps to keep the peace during the march.
Because Punjab has elections coming up in 2027, the issue is becoming a big part of political conversation.
A viral video allegedly shows pro-Khalistan extremist Jagtar Singh Hawara appealing for peace ahead of the August 15 march in Chandigarh, though its authenticity could not be independently verified.
The Qaumi Insaaf Morcha is organising the march from its protest site near YPS Chowk to the Punjab Governor's residence, demanding the release of Sikh prisoners held for prolonged periods.
The Punjab government has separately sought parole for Hawara, who was convicted of assassinating former Punjab chief minister Beant Singh.
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has extended its backing to the August 15 agitation.
The Punjab and Haryana High Court ordered the administrations of Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh to take all necessary precautionary measures to maintain law and order during the protest.
- Who
- Jagtar Singh Hawara, the Qaumi Insaaf Morcha, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), and the Punjab government.
- What
- A march demanding the release of Sikh prisoners (Bandi Singhs), coinciding with an unverified video of Hawara appealing for peace and a court order for law-and-order precautions.
- Where
- From the protest site near YPS Chowk to the Punjab Governor's residence in Chandigarh, with the ongoing protest near the Chandigarh-Mohali border.
- When
- August 15; the group has been protesting since January 7, 2023, and the issue is resurfacing ahead of the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections.
- Why
- To demand the release of Sikh prisoners who have spent prolonged periods in jail, an issue that is regaining political significance in Punjab ahead of elections.
Supporters of Sikh Prisoners' Release
Law-and-Order and Security Concerns
Release of Sikh prisoners
Supporters of Sikh Prisoners' Release
The Qaumi Insaaf Morcha, backed by the SGPC, demands the release of Sikh prisoners who have spent prolonged periods in jail and wants the Bandi Singhs issue back at the centre of attention.
Law-and-Order and Security Concerns
Authorities are prioritising security: the Punjab and Haryana High Court ordered the administrations of Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh to take all necessary precautionary measures to maintain law and order during the march.
Parole for Jagtar Singh Hawara
Supporters of Sikh Prisoners' Release
The Punjab government has sought parole for Hawara, and an unverified video depicts him appealing for calm during the march.
Law-and-Order and Security Concerns
Hawara is described as a pro-Khalistan extremist convicted of assassinating former chief minister Beant Singh, a background that raises concerns around his release.
Key facts
- March organiser
- Qaumi Insaaf Morcha
- March route
- Protest site near YPS Chowk to the Punjab Governor's residence
- Demand
- Release of Sikh prisoners (Bandi Singhs) held for prolonged periods
- Hawara's status
- Convicted of assassinating former Punjab chief minister Beant Singh
- Punjab government action
- Sought parole for Jagtar Singh Hawara
- SGPC backing
- Yes, supports the August 15 agitation
- Ongoing protest since
- January 7, 2023, near Chandigarh-Mohali border
- Court order
- Punjab and Haryana High Court ordered precautionary law-and-order measures in Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh
Sources
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