Protests erupt in Punjab over detention of Sikh prisoners beyond sentences

India’s Punjab state saw a mixed response to a seven-hour statewide shutdown on August 21, as Sikh organisations and farmer groups called for the release of Sikh prisoners they say have completed their sentences.

The bandh (a campaign of civil disobedience in South Asia – ed.), organised by the Qaumi Insaaf Morcha, was observed from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., with markets closed and traffic disrupted in several districts, The Statesman reports. 

The impact was particularly visible in Faridkot and Moga, where most commercial establishments remained shut and roads were relatively deserted. The shutdown was also widely observed in parts of Mohali, while markets in Ludhiana were partly open.

Around 7,500 private schools across Punjab remained closed after private school and bus operators supported the bandh.

Several Sikh and farmer organisations, including the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee and farmer unions, backed the shutdown. Their demands include the release of “Bandi Singhs”, a term used by Sikh organisations for prisoners, who remain incarcerated despite completing their sentences.

Supporters also called for parole for Jagtar Singh Hawara, who is serving a life sentence over the assassination of former Punjab chief minister Beant Singh. Protesters additionally sought 10 days of parole for one prisoner to visit his seriously ill mother.

Additionally, markets in Amritsar were also closed. Assistant Deputy Commissioner of Police Harpal Singh said the situation in the city remained peaceful, with police deployed across the area.

In Mohali, some bandh supporters attempted to block traffic at an intersection in Phase 7, stopping several vehicles from proceeding.

The shutdown followed a confrontation on August 15 between Qaumi Insaaf Morcha protesters and Chandigarh Police. Protesters had attempted to march toward the residence of Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria, with some trying to remove barricades and barbed wire.

Police responded with tear gas and water cannons. Police said some officers were injured, while some protesters were detained and legal proceedings were initiated.

By Sabina Mammadli