Punjab Bandh Today for Release of Sikh Prisoners
The bandh has received support from several farmer and Sikh organisations, including the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, Bharatiya Kisan Union (Rajewal) and two breakaway factions of the Shiromani Akali Dal.
New Delhi: Punjab is likely to witness disruptions on Friday as the Qaumi Insaaf Morcha has called a seven-hour bandh from 7 am to 2 pm to demand the release of Sikh prisoners, known as “Bandi Singhs”, who allegedly remain in jail despite completing their sentences.
The bandh has received support from several farmer and Sikh organisations, including the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, Bharatiya Kisan Union (Rajewal) and two breakaway factions of the Shiromani Akali Dal.
Qaumi Insaaf Morcha volunteers are expected to block traffic on state and national highways during the bandh. Emergency vehicles, including ambulances, and people travelling for weddings and funerals will be allowed to pass, Morcha convener Gurdeep Singh Bathinda said.
Transport unions have been asked to keep buses off the roads for half a day. The Morcha said it was also holding talks with transporters to keep buses and trucks off the roads during the bandh.
The Morcha has been protesting at YPS Chowk on the Mohali-Chandigarh border since January 7, 2023, demanding the release of Sikh prisoners who have completed their sentences.
The SAD (Punarsurjit) and Akali Dal Waris Punjab De, both breakaway factions of the Shiromani Akali Dal, have extended support to the bandh.
The Shiromani Akali Dal led by Sukhbir Singh Badal has also supported the demand for the release of the Bandi Singhs but has not explicitly backed Friday’s bandh.
The shutdown is expected to affect traffic and public transport in parts of Punjab. Authorities are likely to make arrangements to ensure the uninterrupted movement of emergency services.
