Chandigarh, August 21, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The ‘Punjab Bandh’ call issued by the Bandi Singh Release Morcha and supported by various Panthic organisations received a widespread response across Punjab on Friday, with shops and business establishments remaining closed in several major cities and towns.
Shiromani Akali Dal (Punar Surjit) senior vice president and chief spokesperson Karnail Singh Peer Mohammad thanked the people of Punjab, particularly shopkeepers and traders, for extending what he described as strong and peaceful support to the bandh.
According to Peer Mohammad, markets and commercial establishments remained closed in prominent cities across the Majha, Malwa and Doaba regions, including Amritsar, Gurdaspur, Pathankot, Tarn Taran, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Faridkot, Muktsar Sahib, Bathinda, Patiala, Sangrur, Barnala, Ferozepur, Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar (Mohali), Ropar and Sri Anandpur Sahib, besides several towns.
The organisers said the bandh was to continue peacefully until 2 p.m.
They also said Panthic organisation representatives had made arrangements to minimise inconvenience to the public. Special passage was kept open for patients and ambulances, as well as students appearing for examinations at schools, colleges and universities. The organisers, however, expressed regret for any inconvenience caused to citizens during the bandh.
The bandh received support from the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), Nihang Singh organisations, Damdami Taksal, the All India Sikh Students’ Federation and different factions of the Shiromani Akali Dal, among others, according to the organisers.
Key Demands
The principal demand was the immediate release of all Bandi Singhs who have completed their sentences under Indian law. The organisers appealed to both the Centre and state governments to release such prisoners without further delay.
They also demanded at least 10 days’ parole for Bhai Jagtar Singh Hawara so that he could meet his mother, who they said had been seriously ill and bedridden for a prolonged period.
Concluding his appeal, Peer Mohammad called for continued unity to safeguard Punjab’s rights and interests and urged people to maintain the same spirit of solidarity in the future.
FOLLOW NOW
