Punjab Bandh on August 21: Will schools be closed? Latest update on school holiday, Panjab University exams and more

A federation of private schools in Punjab on Thursday announced a school holiday, and the Panjab university rescheduled exams to be held on August 21 in the wake of the 'Punjab Bandh' call given by the Qaumi Insaf Morcha.

The Morcha has given a call for the shutdown on August 21 to press for the release of 'Bandi Singhs' (Sikh prisoners). The bandh will be held from 7 am to 2 pm in the state on Friday.

To avoid inconvenience to students, Panjab University announced postponement of exams to be held on Friday for those who could not appear previously. These exams will now be conducted on September 10.

Punjab bandh: Update on schools, university exams

A federation of private schools in Punjab has announced a holiday on August 21, while Panjab University has postponed exams scheduled for Friday in view of the ‘Punjab Bandh’ called by the Qaumi Insaf Morcha to demand the release of ‘Bandi Singhs’ (Sikh prisoners), with the shutdown set to be observed across the state from 7 am to 2 pm. The postponed exams will now be held on September 10.

Essential Services to Remain Exempt

The Morcha has sought support from traders, shopkeepers, commercial establishments, transporters and educational institutions to make the bandh successful.

However, essential services, including medical emergencies, as well as travel to airports, exams and wedding ceremonies, will be allowed, Morcha leaders said.

Organisations Back Punjab Bandh

Several organisations, including the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), Shiromani Akali Dal (Punar Surjit General) and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) Waris Punjab De, have extended their support to the bandh.

The SGPC has rescheduled its executive committee meeting from August 21 to August 22. Its offices and institutions will also remain closed on Friday in support of the bandh.

Farmers’ Groups Extend Support

Farmers’ organisations, including the Bharti Kisan Union (Rajewal), have also backed the proposed shutdown. Kisan Mazdoor Morcha leader Sarwan Singh Pandher urged people to make the bandh a success.

SAD Waris Punjab De leader Manpreet Singh Ayali also said his organisation fully supports the bandh call.

Morcha Demands Release of ‘Bandi Singhs’

The Qaumi Insaf Morcha has been demanding parole for Jagtar Singh Hawara, who is serving a life sentence for the assassination of then Punjab chief minister Beant Singh in 1995.

The Morcha is also seeking the release of other ‘Bandi Singhs’ — a term used for Sikh prisoners convicted for their involvement in militancy during the insurgency of the 1990s in Punjab.

Protesters Dispersed in Chandigarh

On August 15, the Morcha had called for a march towards the Punjab governor’s residence to press for Hawara’s parole and the release of ‘Bandi Singhs’.

However, Chandigarh Police used tear gas shells and water cannons to disperse protesters who tried to breach barricades during the march.

Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has already met the governor and favoured 10-day parole for Hawara so that he could meet his ailing mother.

Other Prisoners Named by Morcha

Besides Hawara, the Morcha has been demanding the release of other ‘Bandi Singhs’, including Balwant Singh Rajoana and Devinderpal Singh Bhullar.

Rajoana is a convict in the 1995 assassination of Beant Singh, while Bhullar is serving a sentence in connection with the 1993 Delhi bomb blast case.

Prolonged Protest in Chandigarh-Mohali

The Qaumi Insaaf Morcha has been holding a prolonged protest along Sector 52-53 in Chandigarh and YPS Chowk in Mohali since January 7, 2023, as part of its campaign for the release of Sikh prisoners.