CHANDIGARH, Aug. 18 -- Shiromani Akali Dal (Punar Surjit) president Giani Harpreet Singh on Monday extended support to the Punjab bandh call given by the Qaumi Insaaf Morcha for August 21, seeking the release of Sikh prisoners.

The Qaumi Insaaf Morcha, which has been holding a protest at the Chandigarh border over the issue since January 7, 2023, issued a statewide bandh call after its activists clashed with police while attempting to march to the Punjab governor's residence on August 15 to press their demand.

A day later, Chandigarh Police registered four FIRs. SAD (Amritsar) president and former MP Simranjit Singh Mann was among those booked, while 17 others were arrested.

The bandh has been called to protest against the alleged use ...