Moga, August 18 (K.L. Jeet Walia): The Qaumi Insaaf Morcha has strongly condemned the registration of FIRs against several farmers and Sikh leaders, along with other Sikh protesters, during a peaceful demonstration held at Mohali on August 15, 2026, demanding the release of imprisoned Sikh prisoners, commonly referred to as “Bandi Singhs.”
According to leaders associated with the Morcha, cases have been registered against Bapu Gurcharan Singh, Jathedar Gurdeep Singh Bathinda, farmer leader Sukh Gill Moga, farmer leader Gurinder Singh Bhangoo, farmer leader Surjit Singh Phool, farmer leader Sukhjinder Singh Khosa, Bhana Sidhu, Lakha Sidhana, Amitoj Mann, Baba Raja Raj Singh, Pal Singh France, Baljit Singh Khalsa, Navdeep Singh Jalbera and several other Sikh protesters.
The leaders said that demanding the release of Bandi Singhs and raising one’s voice peacefully for one’s demands is a democratic right. They alleged that imposing serious criminal sections on peaceful protesters and registering FIRs by treating the Sri Sahib, one of the five articles of faith in Sikhism, under the Arms Act is an attempt to suppress the voice of the people.
The Morcha alleged that the Punjab Government and Chandigarh Administration have registered cases under stringent provisions against protesters who were peacefully putting forward their demands.
The leaders demanded an impartial investigation into the FIRs and said that if any incorrect or baseless sections have been imposed, they should be withdrawn immediately.
Farmer leader Sukh Gill Moga said that the issue concerning the release of Bandi Singhs is not merely the concern of an individual or organization, but is connected with justice, human rights and equal application of the law. He said the government should resolve the matter through dialogue instead of adopting a policy of pressure.
The Qaumi Insaaf Morcha demanded that the Punjab Government and Chandigarh Administration review the FIRs registered in connection with the August 15 peaceful protest, withdraw action against innocent people and immediately work towards resolving the issue concerning the release of Bandi Singhs.
KL JIT WALIA
