Tight security at Chandigarh-Mohali border as Punjab Bandh begins
Security was tightened at the Chandigarh-Mohali border and shops shut across parts of Punjab on Friday morning (Aug 21st) as a state-wide "Punjab Bandh," called by the Qaumi Insaf Morcha to demand the release of Sikh prisoners known as "Bandi Singhs," got under way from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Heavy police deployment was in place in Amritsar, Ludhiana, Jalandhar and other major cities to maintain law and order. Chandigarh Police, including the Rapid Action Force, were posted at barricades along the Mohali-Chandigarh border.
Morcha supporters blocked roads by parking vehicles in Mohali and Patiala, disrupting commuter traffic. Shops in Sangrur, Mohali and elsewhere stayed closed, though medical stores remained open. A federation of private schools had already announced a holiday, and Panjab University postponed exams scheduled for the day.
Morcha leaders appealed to traders, transporters and educational institutions to support the shutdown, while assuring that medical emergencies, airport travel, exams and weddings would not be affected.
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), the Shiromani Akali Dal (Punar Surjit General) and Shiromani Akali Dal Waris Punjab De extended support, as did farmer groups including the Bharti Kisan Union (Rajewal). Kisan Mazdoor Morcha leader Sarwan Singh Pandher also backed the call.
At the centre of the protest is a demand for parole for Jagtar Singh Hawara, serving a life sentence for the 1995 assassination of then Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has already met Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria to support a 10-day parole for Hawara to visit his ailing mother.
The Morcha is also seeking the release of Balwant Singh Rajoana, convicted in the same 1995 assassination, and Devinderpal Singh Bhullar, jailed over a 1993 Delhi bomb blast.
The Qaumi Insaf Morcha has held a continuous protest at Sector 52-53 in Chandigarh and adjoining YPS Chowk in Mohali since January 7, 2023, demanding the release of Sikh prisoners.
(Inputs from PTI)