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Security has been tightened at the Chandigarh-Mohali border as a Punjab-wide bandh, backed by SAD and Waris Punjab De, is underway over Sikh prisoners’ release.
Security has been heightened at the Chandigarh-Mohali border in Punjab.
Security has been heightened at the Chandigarh-Mohali border in Punjab on Friday as the Qaumi Insaaf Morcha’s call for a statewide bandh, from 7 am to 2 pm, came into effect over the demand for the release of Sikh prisoners.
The shutdown call had drawn a mixed response in Ludhiana on Thursday, according to a report by The Tribunewith several political and social organisations either backing or distancing themselves from the bandh ahead of its rollout on Friday.
Who Is Supporting The Bandh?
The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and Waris Punjab De were among the groups that threw their weight behind the shutdown call. Manpreet Singh Ayali of Waris Punjab De said the organisation supported the call, describing it as a just demand and asking why the prisoners in question continued to be held in jail.
Senior SAD leader Maheshinder Singh Grewal accused the central government of delaying a decision on Sikh prisoners, specifically citing the case of Balwant Singh Rajoana.
He said a decision on Rajoana’s case — either releasing him or denying his release — was long overdue, and that his case was not being heard despite the delay. Grewal confirmed the SAD’s support for the bandh on this basis.
The Small Scale District Bus Operator Welfare Association also backed the call. Its Punjab general secretary, Jaswinder Singh Grewal, said around 800 buses would stay off the roads in Ludhiana during the shutdown window, in support of the bandh.
Who Has Stayed Neutral?
Not every organisation has taken a side. District Congress president Sanjay Talwar said he was not in a position to either support or oppose the bandh call, noting that the decision rested with the party’s state leadership.
Jamhuri Kisan Sabha Punjab president Raghbir Singh Benipal struck a similar note, but used the occasion to broaden the demand.
He questioned why the state government’s push for release appeared focused on one individual, arguing that several other prisoners — referred to as “Bandi Singhs” — were also lodged in different jails and should be considered. Benipal said his organisation was neither supporting nor opposing the call.
What Is Qaumi Demanding Morcha For Him?
The Qaumi Insaaf Morcha has called the bandh in support of the release of Sikh prisoners it says have served extended terms or completed their sentences.
Rajoana’s case has been repeatedly cited by other organisations backing the call, though the Morcha’s demand extends to other prisoners as well, per groups like the Jamhuri Kisan Sabha.
What Is The Situation At The Border Today?
With the bandh underway across Punjab on Friday, security has been stepped up at the Chandigarh-Mohali border, one of the key entry points into the state. Further details on the scale of the shutdown’s compliance and any disruptions are awaited.
About the Author
Sumedha Kirti is a Chief Sub Editor with over eight years of experience — both at the desk and reporting. She is a graduate from Delhi University’s Miranda House. Kirti has previously worked with news…Read More
Chandigarh, India, India
August 21, 2026, 10:02 IST
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