Bathinda, 21 August 2026: At call of Qaumi Insaaf Morcha for release of Bandi Singhs, Punjab bandh got overwhelming response in Bathinda district. Main demand of Morcha is release of those Bandi Singhs who have completed their sentences but are still in jail. Along with this parole for Jagtar Singh Hawara and demand of justice in beadbi and police firing cases is being made. According to leaders of Qaumi Insaaf Morcha during this bandh business, transport, road and rail services were kept closed from 7 am to 2 pm and only essential services were allowed to run. During bandh peace remained whole day and as precaution police also kept vigilance.
Apart from Bathinda dharnas were given at five places including Rampura Phul, Maur, Bhagta Bhai and Jida. From morning traders kept shutters of shops closed and except emergency services other commercial establishments remained closed, due to which deserted look remained in city. However after 12 o'clock shops started opening in big markets of Bathinda but near bus stand Mehna Chowk and Kachehri Road most shops were opened only after two o'clock. Sikh organizations put jam on road at Bus Stand Chowk and gave dharna. During dharnas held at different places many leaders including Surjit Singh Phul, Parminder Singh Balianwali, Sukhjit Singh, Bhola Singh Gillpatti, Chamkaur Singh, Baba Hardeep Singh Mehraaj participated.
Leaders said that Bandi Singhs have undergone thirty-thirty years sentences but governments are not ready to release them, let alone give parole. They said that mother of Jagtar Singh Hawara is ill but Central Government is making mockery in name of parole. Leaders said that traders have given full cooperation to Sikh organizations and kept their shops and businesses closed. They said that it is clear from this that demand for release of Bandi Sikhs is being made by entire Punjabis. They said that it is clear from this that laws are different for Sikhs while separate for others. These leaders of Sikh organizations thanked all traders, transporters and people for cooperation.
On other side passengers had to face heavy inconvenience due to bus service being stalled. Labourers and employees coming from villages for livelihood reached city through bicycles, motorcycles or private vehicles. Full effect of bandh was also seen in grain markets. It is mentionable that Qaumi Insaaf Morcha had given call for 'Punjab Bandh' today in protest against police action, FIR registered against its members and continuous detention of Bandi Singhs. Actually on 15 August Chandigarh Police had stopped march of Qaumi Insaaf Morcha towards Punjab Raj Bhavan with tear gas, water cannons and barricades and police had registered many FIRs against leaders and supporters.