Security tightened in Patiala amid Punjab bandh

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Markets remained closed across Patiala as police stepped up security after the Qaumi Insaaf Morcha called for a Punjab-wide shutdown over parole for Jagtar Singh Hawara to meet his ailing mother.

Patiala, August 21

Punjab remained shut from 7 am to 2 pm following a call by the Qaumi Insaaf Morcha, with various organisations extending support to the shutdown and security arrangements stepped up across Patiala.

Police barricades and security personnel were deployed at several locations in Patiala as authorities maintained heightened security during the shutdown. The city’s major markets remained closed from the morning, while holidays had already been announced at several private and government institutions.

The shutdown call was issued by the Qaumi Insaaf Morcha after its demand for parole for Jagtar Singh Hawara failed to make headway. The organisation has been seeking parole for Hawara to enable him to meet his ailing mother.

The morcha’s call was supported by various organisations, resulting in the closure of markets and institutions across parts of the state.

The shutdown has also brought renewed focus on the parole demand concerning Hawara. It remains to be seen whether the government takes any further decision on the issue following the Punjab bandh.

Hawara is an accused in the assassination case of former Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh. According to the source, he has remained in jail for nearly three decades.

The Qaumi Insaaf Morcha has been pressing for his parole on humanitarian grounds, citing the health condition of his mother. The latest shutdown was called after no agreement was reached on the parole demand.

With the shutdown being observed across Punjab, attention is now likely to remain focused on the government’s response and whether any decision is taken regarding Hawara’s parole.