Qaumi Insaaf Morcha called the bandh from 7 am to 2 pm, seeking the release of Bandi Singhs and parole for Jagtar Singh Hawara.
Around 7,500 private schools remained closed, while bus services, markets and traffic were affected in several parts of Punjab.
Medical services, airport-bound travellers, and people attending weddings or funerals were exempted from the bandh restrictions.
Qaumi Insaaf Morcha called the Punjab bandh from 7 am to 2 pm on August 21 to demand the release of Sikh prisoners, or “Bandi Singhs”, who remain in jail despite completing their sentences. The bandh received a mixed response, with a large number of schools remaining closed and highways and traffic affected, while not all markets and institutions observed the shutdown.
A federation of private schools in Punjab announced a school holiday on Thursday, while Panjab University rescheduled exams scheduled for August 21 in view of the ‘Punjab Bandh’ call given by the Qaumi Insaf Morcha.
Professor Baljinder Singh, Spokesperson of Jathedar Jagtar Singh Hawara Committee, told ANI that the eople are connected with this issue emotionally and are supporting this bandh in a peaceful manner. Gurmeet Ram Rahim and Asaram Bapu are given parole repeatedly, but 'Bandi Singhs' are not given bail or released after their sentence is completed.
What Is Closed And What Is Affected?
Nearly 7,500 private schools across Punjab are closed on Friday, according to PTI after the Mini Bus Operators Association decided to stay off the roads in support of the bandh. Traffic was disrupted on the Kharar–Mohali flyover near Sunny Enclave due to the bandh.
ADCP Harpal Singh told ANI, "All markets here are closed. Police are deployed in all areas of Amritsar. The situation is peaceful in the city. All 'jathebandis' have supported this bandh."
Markets in Moga are completely shut. Intensive security arrangements are made across the district, as per IANS. Farmers’ groups, labour organisations, social and religious bodies, and several political parties extended their support to the bandh.
The BJP's state office in Chandigarh received a threat email warning of explosions at several locations if the Punjab bandh was not observed on August 21. The email also mentioned keeping schools closed on August 31 and referred to some Khalistani organisations and individuals. Security agencies and police have launched an investigation to verify the authenticity of the email, identify the sender, and ascertain the motive behind the threat, IANS reported.
Qaumi Insaf Morcha coordination committee member Baljeet Singh told PTI that only medical services will remain operational. People travelling to the airport will also be exempted. Similarly, those attending a wedding procession or going to a funeral-related ceremony will be allowed to travel.
What Is The Punjab Bandh About?
The Morcha has been demanding parole for Jagtar Singh Hawara, who is serving a life sentence for the assassination of then Punjab chief minister Beant Singh in 1995.
On August 15, it had given a call for a march towards the Punjab governor's residence to press for Hawara's parole and the release of 'Bandi Singhs' -- the term referring to Sikh prisoners convicted for their involvement in militancy during the insurgency of the 1990s in the state.
