21
Aug
Chandigarh (Gurpreet Singh): A statewide shutdown called by the Qaumi Insaaf Morcha is being observed in Punjab today, with the seven-hour protest expected to affect road, rail and commercial activity at several places. The bandh began at 7 am and will continue until 2 pm. The protest has been called primarily to press for the release of Sikh prisoners who, according to the Morcha, have completed their sentences but continue to remain behind bars. Another prominent demand is the grant of a 10-day parole to Jagtar Singh Hawara, who is serving a sentence in connection with the assassination of former…