Breaking: Bandi Singhs Morcha Protest Ends with Punjab Bandh Call by Kaumi Insaf Morcha; Morcha Leaders blame Police for Unprovoked Use Of Force
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, August 15, 2026: The Qaumi Insaaf Morcha’s protest seeking the release of Sikh prisoners, or ‘Bandi Singhs’, who have completed their sentences, ended on Saturday with a call for a Punjab-wide bandh on August 21 by Kaumi Insaf Morcha. Morcha leader blamed police and authorities for using force on unprovoked protesters and condemned the lathi charge, use of tear gas and water canons resulting injuries to the protestors.
The protesters had marched towards the Punjab Governor’s residence in Chandigarh on Independence Day, demanding the release of Sikh prisoners who, according to the Morcha, have completed their court-awarded sentences but continue to remain incarcerated. The issue has remained a longstanding point of contention in Punjab.
The situation turned tense at the Mohali-Chandigarh border when protesters attempted to move towards Chandigarh and breach the security barricades. Chandigarh Police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse the protesters.
SSP Chandigarh Kanwardeep Kaur’s version: Chandigarh SSP Kanwardeep Kaur said the police used minimum force to disperse the protesters and maintain law and order. According to her, some protesters pelted stones at the police and attempted to break through the barricades. She said some police personnel were also injured during the confrontation.
Police maintained that the action was taken only after attempts were made to breach the barricades and that the force used was intended to prevent the situation from escalating further. Recent reports also quoted the Chandigarh Police as saying that police personnel sustained injuries during clashes with protesters.
The Morcha has been spearheading the agitation for the release of Bandi Singhs for several years. Its leaders said the agitation would continue until their demands were addressed and appealed to people and various organisations across Punjab to support the proposed bandh.
The protesters have demanded the release of Sikh prisoners, including Jagtar Singh Hawara, Balwant Singh Rajoana, Jagtar Singh Tara and Paramjit Singh Bheora, among others.
The confrontation has brought the issue of the long-incarcerated Sikh prisoners back into focus and is likely to intensify the debate over their release in Punjab.