A ‘Rail Roko’ protest took place at the Ambala-Ludhiana railway track in Fatehgarh Sahib, Punjab on Saturday, July 4, 2026. Organized by the Kaumi Insaf Morcha, the demonstration demanded the release of Sikh prisoners known as ‘Bandi Singhs’. The protest lasted for three hours, causing significant disruptions to rail traffic between 11 AM and 2 PM.
Which trains were affected by the protest?
The protest caused total disruption on the Ambala-Ludhiana route, affecting approximately 13 trains. The Katra-New Delhi Vande Bharat Express had to be diverted from Sirhind Junction via Morinda-Chandigarh towards Ambala. Other trains like Janseva Express, Amrapali Express, Delhi-Pathankot Express, and Saryu-Yamuna Express were stopped at various stations, causing inconvenience to thousands of passengers.
What were the main demands of the protesters?
The Kaumi Insaf Morcha and other supporting organizations raised several key demands during the gathering at Madhopur crossing near Sirhind railway station:
| Demand Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Prisoner Release | Immediate release of Bandi Singhs who completed their sentences, including Jagtar Singh Hawara, Balwant Singh Rajoauna, Jagtar Singh Tara, Paramjit Singh Bhiora, and MP Amritpal Singh |
| Blacklist Removal | Removal of approximately 20,000 Sikhs from the official blacklist |
Who participated in the demonstration?
The event saw participation from various Sikh and farmer organizations, Akali factions, and political representatives. Key speakers included Kaumi Insaf Morcha leaders, SGPC member Karnail Singh Panjoli, and Gurinder Singh Bhangu from Sher-e-Punjab Kisan Union. Other notable attendees were Tarsem Singh (father of MP Amritpal Singh) and Professor Prem Singh Chandumajra. Heavy police force was deployed to maintain law and order until the protest ended at 2 PM.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long was the railway track blocked in Fatehgarh Sahib?
The Ambala-Ludhiana railway track was blocked for three hours on July 4, 2026, from 11 AM to 2 PM.
What happened to the Katra-New Delhi Vande Bharat Express?
The Vande Bharat Express was diverted from Sirhind Junction via the Morinda-Chandigarh route to reach Ambala.