Punjab Bandh Call for August 21
Dhian Singh Mand appeals for statewide shutdown over Bandi Singh release and Hawara Parole
Ferozepur, August 20, 2026: Acting Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Bhai Dhian Singh Mand, has appealed to the people of Punjab to observe a complete statewide bandh on August 21 from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., demanding justice and the release of Sikh prisoners who have completed their sentences, as well as parole for Bhai Jagtar Singh Hawara on humanitarian grounds.
Addressing a press conference, Mand alleged that Sikh prisoners who have completed their legally prescribed sentences continue to remain incarcerated, while parole and temporary release provisions are being applied differently in other cases. He described the issue as one of justice, equality before the law and humanitarian consideration.
Mand specifically raised the case of Jagtar Singh Hawara, whose elderly mother has been reported to be in poor health. He said repeated representations, marches, memoranda, correspondence and legal efforts had failed to produce the desired relief and urged people across Punjab to support the demand peacefully.
The issue has gained fresh momentum in recent weeks. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann wrote to Governor Gulab Chand Kataria seeking 10-day parole for Hawara so that he could meet his ailing mother. Mann subsequently met the Governor and reiterated the request on humanitarian grounds.
The Punjab Governor later said that he had recommended parole for Hawara. Separately, the Delhi Prison Department granted Hawara two days of parole, but reports said he declined the relief because he was seeking regular parole to meet his mother.
The proposed bandh follows heightened tensions during the Qaumi Insaaf Morcha’s August 15 protest near the Chandigarh border. Police used tear gas and water cannons after some protesters attempted to breach barricades while marching towards the Governor’s residence. Following the incident, organisers announced the August 21 Punjab bandh.
Mand appealed to all communities and sections of society to extend support to the bandh on humanitarian grounds. He also urged Sikh organisations, political parties, religious groups, federations and other organisations to participate peacefully and collectively.
According to the bandh call, buses, trains and other regular public transport are expected to remain off the roads during the shutdown period, while businesses and other establishments have also been urged to remain closed.
Mand clarified that emergency services and people travelling for urgent medical treatment should not be stopped. He also said vehicles associated with the armed forces should not be obstructed.
He appealed to parents to consider keeping school-going children at home if the government does not declare a holiday, citing the bandh and the need to ensure their safety.
The organisers have described the shutdown as a peaceful protest aimed at bringing the issue of Bandi Singhs’ release and Hawara’s parole back into public and governmental focus.
With the August 21 bandh now scheduled across Punjab, attention will remain on the scale of public participation, the response of the state administration and whether the protest leads to further movement on the longstanding demands concerning Sikh prisoners.