Chandigarh, August 21, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Several Sikh religious and political organisations on Friday observed a statewide shutdown in Punjab until 2 p.m. to press for the release of Sikh inmates who have completed their prison terms. Security arrangements were stepped up across the state as markets and institutions in several areas remained closed.
The impact of the shutdown was partial during the morning, despite support from farmer organisations, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar), Waris Punjab De and other groups. A senior police official said there were no reports of violence so far.
The shutdown call followed the use of security forces at the Mohali border on August 15 to disperse demonstrators who were attempting to march towards Chandigarh to protest outside the Governor’s residence. Police used batons, tear gas and water cannons during the action.
The march, led by members of the Qaumi Insaf Morcha, also sought parole for Jagtar Singh Hawara, who is serving a life sentence in connection with the 1995 assassination of then Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh.
Shutdown organisers had called for sit-in protests on railway tracks, highways and toll plazas and appealed to traders and shopkeepers to close their establishments. They also urged protesters to maintain peace and ensure that emergency medical services were not disrupted.
Students travelling for examinations, as well as people travelling for weddings, funerals or abroad, were exempted from the shutdown. Activists of the Qaumi Insaf Morcha were deployed at several state and national highways to regulate traffic movement.
Private bus operators in several cities and towns supported the shutdown. Many private educational institutions also remained closed as a precaution, while markets, factories and commercial establishments in several areas shut until 2 p.m.
Government educational institutions continued to function, although student attendance was reported to be thin.
The SGPC closed its offices and institutions in solidarity with the shutdown and postponed its scheduled executive meeting.
Kisan Mazdoor Morcha coordinator Sarwan Singh Pandher said markets and institutions would remain closed during the seven-hour shutdown. He had earlier advised milk suppliers to distribute milk either before 7 a.m. or after the shutdown ended.
Legislator Manpreet Singh Ayali, who now supports Waris Punjab De, questioned why Sikh prisoners who had completed their sentences continued to remain behind bars and demanded their release.
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