Hoshiarpur: Today, the call for a 'Punjab Bandh' (shutdown) issued by the Qaumi Insaaf Morcha received massive support in Mahilpur and surrounding areas. Leaders such as Makhan Singh Kothi (Akali Dal Waris Punjab), Jathedar Baba Nagar Singh Tutomajra (Mishal Shaheeda Tarna Dal Harian Velan), and farmer leaders Talvinder Singh Heer and Iqbal Singh Khera, along with members of the Shiromani Akali Dal, shopkeepers, and people from various walks of life, fully backed the shutdown.
Due to the bandh, shops and private schools in Mahilpur markets remained closed; however, chemist shops, doctors' clinics, milk dairies, and government offices remained open. Speaking on the occasion, leaders from various religious, political, and social organizations stated that the 'Bandi Singhs' (Sikh prisoners) remain incarcerated despite having completed their sentences, and are living a hellish existence in prison. They remarked that successive governments have maintained a similar stance regarding the release of these prisoners.
They demanded the immediate release on parole of Jathedar Bhai Jagtar Singh Hawara, Bhai Balwant Singh Rajoana, Bhai Paramjit Singh Bheora, Bhai Jagtar Singh Tara, Jagtar Singh 'Jaggi' Johal, and other Bandi Singhs. They urged for an immediate resolution—through dialogue—to the long-pending issue of the release of these prisoners.
Prominent leaders and speakers present on the occasion included: Baba Amanveer Singh Chamblan, Tarlochan Singh Sakruli, Gurjinder Singh Sarhala, Jaspal Singh Khanpur, Gurminder Singh Bharta, Jasvir Singh Bhatti, Rampal Singh 'Lali' Bharta, Narendra Singh Buta, Jarnail Singh Nadalo, Ranjodh Singh Nadalo, Amarjit Singh Raja, Comrade Mahinder Singh Kharar, Goldy Rana, Harpreet Singh Marwaha, and Dr. ... Kulwant Singh Chabbewal, Gurinder Singh Bains, Kuldeep Singh, Indrapal Singh Mahigrowal, Juginder Singh Kaharpur, Makhan Singh Tutomajra, Khushwant Singh Bains, Makhan Singh Tutomajra, Ginni Bharta, Mani Bihala, Nirmal Singh Sarangwal, Parminder Singh Burobarian, Jasveer Singh Sheera, Lakhveer Singh Dansiwal, Baba Dharam Singh, Baba Varinder Singh Jandoli, Baba Harmanveer Singh Honey, Gurdev Singh Manolia, Jasveer Singh, Jarnail Singh, Sukhjit Singh, Gagandeep Singh, Nirmal Singh Hakumatpur, Paramjit Singh Meghowal, Jaswinder Singh Haveli, Sukhwinder Singh Sukha, Gurmukh Singh Sodhi, Tarsem Singh Jassowal, Harjit Singh, Paramjit Singh Paddi Sura Singh, Dilbag Singh, Harjinder Singh Fatehpur, and other justice-loving people from the area were present.