CHANDIGARH, Aug 21: Security was tightened at Chandigarh-Mohali border points on Friday as the Punjab bandh called by the Qaumi Insaf Morcha began to press for the release of Sikh prisoners, or ‘Bandi Singhs’.
The bandh, observed from 7 am to 2 pm, saw shops and markets remain closed at several places across Punjab, while heavy police deployment was made in cities including Amritsar, Ludhiana and Jalandhar to maintain law and order.
Chandigarh Police personnel, including the Rapid Action Force, were deployed along barricades at various Chandigarh-Mohali border points.
Qaumi Insaf Morcha supporters parked vehicles at several locations, including Mohali and Patiala, to block roads, causing inconvenience to commuters. Shops in parts of Sangrur and Mohali also remained shut, though medical shops continued to operate.
A federation of private schools declared a holiday for Friday, while Panjab University rescheduled examinations scheduled for the day.
Morcha leaders appealed to traders, shopkeepers, commercial establishments, transporters and educational institutions to support the shutdown. They said essential services, medical emergencies, airport travel, examinations and wedding ceremonies would remain exempt.
The bandh has received support from several organisations, including the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, Shiromani Akali Dal (Punar Surjit General) and Shiromani Akali Dal Waris Punjab De. Farmers' organisations, including the Bharti Kisan Union (Rajewal), have also backed the call.
The Morcha has been demanding parole for Jagtar Singh Hawara, who is serving a life sentence in connection with the assassination of former Punjab chief minister Beant Singh in 1995. It is also seeking the release of other ‘Bandi Singhs’, including Balwant Singh Rajoana and Devinderpal Singh Bhullar.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has met Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria and favoured 10-day parole for Hawara to enable him to meet his ailing mother.
The Qaumi Insaf Morcha has been holding a prolonged protest at Sector 52-53 in Chandigarh and the adjoining YPS Chowk in Mohali since January 7, 2023, demanding the release of Sikh prisoners.
