Buses stood idle at an Amritsar bus station on 21 August 2026 as the Punjab Bandh called by Qaumi Insaaf Morcha took effect, demanding the release of Sikh prisoners who have served their full sentences but remain incarcerated. (Photo: NationPress)
A lone cyclist navigated shuttered market lanes in Amritsar on 21 August 2026 as shops downed shutters in response to the Punjab Bandh enforced by Qaumi Insaaf Morcha, which is pressing for the release of Sikh prisoners held beyond their sentence terms. (Photo: NationPress)
Commercial establishments across Amritsar remained shut on 21 August 2026 during the Punjab Bandh organised by Qaumi Insaaf Morcha, a Sikh advocacy group demanding that prisoners from the Sikh community be freed after completing their court-mandated sentences. (Photo: NationPress)
Widespread shop closures were reported across Amritsar markets on 21 August 2026 as the Qaumi Insaaf Morcha-called Punjab Bandh drew broad participation, with the group demanding that Punjab Police and state authorities act on the release of Sikh prisoners who have already served their sentences. (Photo: NationPress)