Six police personnel injured as protest turns violent in Ambala; National Highway cleared after lathicharge

On Thursday evening, a protest in Ambala escalated into violence, resulting in six police personnel, including a Deputy Superintendent of Police, being seriously injured. The demonstrators were protesting against Gursimran Singh Mand, the national president of the International Anti-Khalistani Terrorist Front, who allegedly attempted to run over people with a car recently.

The police attempted to deescalate the situation by using tear gas and a lathicharge when protestors began blocking the traffic on the Delhi-Amritsar National Highway near Gurudwara Panjokhra Sahib. Haryana DGP Ajay Singhal reported that around 1,500-1,600 people gathered at the Gurudwara demanding action against Mr. Mand. As the protest turned violent, protestors blocked the highway, leading to stone pelting on the road.

In an effort to clear the highway, the police had to resort to using "some force," as protestors were attacked by "mischievous elements" carrying weapons. The situation was exacerbated at night when some protestors, armed with spears, swords, and axes, began attacking police personnel. Ambala Superintendent of Police, Ajit Singh Shekhawat, alleged that protestors took control of vehicles in the jam to maintain the blockade, refusing to release a gas tanker.

Several police personnel sustained injuries, including a severed thumb for a Deputy Superintendent of Police, and were admitted to the Military Hospital and Civil Hospital for treatment. Shekhawat stated that all those involved will be identified, and strict legal action will be taken, emphasizing that the situation is still developing.