Chandigarh: The Qaumi Insaaf Morcha has announced a Punjab bandh on August 21, demanding the release of imprisoned Sikh prisoners, parole for Jagtar Singh Hawara, and action over the police response to protesters at the Mohali-Chandigarh border on August 15.
The Morcha has called for markets, commercial establishments, schools, colleges and road and rail traffic across Punjab to remain closed from 7 am to 2 pm. It said traffic on roads across the state would also remain suspended during the bandh.
The bandh has received support from several Sikh, farmers’, workers’ and social organisations, including the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar), Akali Dal (Waris Punjab De), Dal Khalsa and the Hawara Committee.
The SGPC has announced that all its educational institutions and offices will remain closed on August 21.
The Qaumi Insaaf Morcha has appealed to people to observe the bandh peacefully and voluntarily, saying there should be no need to force anyone to shut their establishments.
Meanwhile, several private schools in Mohali have also announced a holiday for Friday in view of the bandh.
