Punjab Bandh on August 21: Qaumi Insaaf Morcha Calls for Shutdown, Know Why

Punjab is set to witness a bandh on Friday, August 21, after allied organisations of the Qaumi Insaaf Morcha called for a statewide shutdown over alleged police action against their supporters, cases registered against protesters and the continued detention of Sikh prisoners, commonly referred to as Bandi Singhs. The bandh is scheduled from 7 am to 2 pm. The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has also extended support to the call.

The announcement followed a meeting of organisations associated with the morcha. Organisers said the seven-hour shutdown is intended to highlight their demands and what they described as police excesses against protesters. The bandh comes amid tensions following recent clashes between Qaumi Insaaf Morcha supporters and police at the Chandigarh-Mohali border. Fact Check: Viral Video of ‘Zombie Drug’ Users Is From Rajasthan, Not Punjab.

Why Is Punjab Observing A Bandh On August 21?

The Qaumi Insaaf Morcha and its allied organisations have demanded the release of Bandi Singhs, particularly Sikh prisoners whom the organisers say have completed their sentences but remain incarcerated, PTC News reported. The issue has been a longstanding focus of the morcha.

Morcha leaders have also accused the Punjab government and police of using force against their supporters, registering cases and violating their human rights. They criticised Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, alleging that the state government had failed to stand with protesters.

The organisers further alleged that police action took place on Punjab soil and claimed tear gas shells were fired during a confrontation, including near Guru Granth Sahib. They also alleged that cases were registered against some protesters over carrying kirpans. These are allegations made by the organisers and have not been independently established.

Markets, Transport And Educational Institutions

According to the organisers, markets and public transport will remain closed during the bandh period. They have also announced that road traffic will be stopped from 7 am to 2 pm. The organisers have appealed to the government to suspend train services during the protest. They warned that protesters could block railway services if trains continue to operate.

Schools and colleges are also likely to remain closed as part of the bandh call, although the final decision rests with the authorities. The organisers said they did not intend to force people to participate and claimed the seven-hour window was selected to minimise disruption to the public.

Emergency Services To Remain Open

Emergency services are expected to remain operational during the bandh. Hospitals and medical stores will remain open, according to the organisers. People travelling to airports, appearing for examinations or attending weddings will also be allowed to travel. The exemptions are intended to ensure that essential movement and services are not affected by the shutdown.

SGPC Extends Support

The SGPC has backed the August 21 bandh and announced that its offices and institutions will remain closed on Friday, Times of India reported. SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami said the committee had remained committed to efforts for the release of Bandi Singhs and supported struggles undertaken for the cause.

Dhami alleged that instead of understanding the Sikh community’s sentiments over the release of Bandi Singhs, the government was seeking to suppress voices campaigning for their release. He said every justice-loving person should oppose such an approach.

The SGPC has also rescheduled its executive committee meeting, earlier scheduled for August 21, to 11 am on August 22 at its head office in Sri Amritsar.

Background To The Protest

The bandh call follows a confrontation between Qaumi Insaaf Morcha supporters and police at the Chandigarh-Mohali border during protests linked to the demand for the release of Sikh prisoners. Police used tear gas and water cannons after protesters attempted to move through barricades towards Chandigarh, according to reports.

The confrontation has since led to cases and arrests, according to police reports, while protesters have alleged excessive use of force. The Punjab and Haryana High Court has also heard a petition concerning the proposed protest and the potential law-and-order situation, with authorities telling the court that adequate police deployment would be made. With the bandh now scheduled for Friday, authorities are expected to monitor traffic, public transport and other essential services across the state.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 20, 2026 04:22 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).