Various Sikh Organisations Support ‘Punjab Bandh’ Call

Various Sikh organisations have extended their support to the ‘Punjab Bandh’ call given by the Qaumi Insaaf Morcha for August 21. The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has also backed the bandh and decided to keep its offices and all affiliated institutions closed on August 21.

Apart from the SGPC, the Shiromani Akali Dal Reunited, Akali Dal ‘Waris Punjab De’, Dal Khalsa, Hawara Committee, Mann Dal and several other Sikh organisations have announced their support for the bandh.

Sikh leaders have appealed to the public to completely shut their businesses until 2 p.m. on August 21, demanding the release of Sikh prisoners who have been incarcerated for more than 32 years. Essential services, medical services and wedding processions will remain exempt from the bandh.

The call comes after the Qaumi Insaaf Morcha had announced a march to the Governor House on August 15, Independence Day, demanding the release of Sikh prisoners. The Chandigarh Police stopped the march, using a baton charge and drones to fire tear-gas shells. Several protesters were injured during the action.