Punjab Bandh on August 21: What Will Remain Closed and What Will Stay Open?
MOHALI, August 20, 2026: The Qaumi Insaaf Morcha has called for a Punjab bandh on August 21 to press for the release of Sikh prisoners, including those who, according to the organisation, have completed their sentences but remain in jail.
The bandh is scheduled to be observed from 7 am to 2 pm. The announcement was made by Morcha leaders during a press conference in Mohali on Wednesday.
The organisation has also raised the issue of parole for Jagtar Singh Hawara and cases registered against its supporters. According to the Morcha, several protesters were booked under provisions of the Arms Act and 17 people were arrested.
What is likely to remain closed?
The Morcha has appealed to shops, markets, factories, educational institutions and transport services to remain closed during the bandh.
Road and rail traffic may also be affected. However, the extent of disruption is expected to vary across districts depending on local participation and administrative arrangements.
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has extended support to the bandh. Its offices and institutions are scheduled to remain closed on August 21, while its Interim Committee meeting has been postponed to August 22.
Which services will remain open?
Emergency and essential services have been kept outside the bandh.
These include:
Hospitals and medical services
Medical stores
Ambulances
Emergency travel
People travelling for weddings and essential religious or family functions
Airport-bound passengers
The Morcha has appealed to people to participate peacefully and said that the public should not be subjected to unnecessary inconvenience.
Will buses and trains operate?
Public transport could face significant disruption during the bandh. Morcha leaders have said that government and private buses will not be allowed to operate during the shutdown. They have also indicated that rail services could be affected.
The actual impact on trains and other transport services, however, will depend on developments on August 21.
Passengers planning to travel by train or public transport should check the latest operational status before leaving, particularly during the bandh hours.
The Punjab bandh is expected to attract attention across the state as the demand for the release of Sikh prisoners has been accompanied by renewed tensions following the August 15 protest in Chandigarh.
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Meta Description: Punjab Bandh on August 21 from 7 am to 2 pm has been called by Qaumi Insaaf Morcha. Check what may remain closed, essential services exempted and possible transport disruptions.
