Chandigarh police use tear gas to stop Qaumi Insaaf morcha march towards guv's house
Amid escalating tensions, law enforcement deployed tear gas and water cannons to scatter protesters intending to reach the Governor's residence. Clad in solidarity, attendees attempted to breach police barricades while advocating for the release of Sikh prisoners. The march, led by the Qaumi Insaaf Morcha, found support from multiple Sikh organizations, showcasing the strength of their campaign…
CHANDIGARH: On the eve of Independence Day, the Chandigarh Police deployed tear gas and water cannons to halt supporters of the Qaumi Insaaf Morcha from crossing into the city via the Mohali-Chandigarh border. The protesters aimed to march to the Punjab Governor's residence, demanding the release of incarcerated Sikh individuals and parole for Jagtar Singh Hawara, convicted in the assassination of former Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh.
Gatherings formed near YPS Chowk in Mohali, which proceeded to attempt crossing into Chandigarh. Police erected barriers at border points and other entryways to prevent entry. Some protesters disregarded warnings and attempted to breach the barriers, prompting the police to disperse them using water cannons and tear gas. Heavy machinery, such as trucks and buses, blocked major routes connecting Chandigarh and Mohali, restricting traffic in both directions.
Chandigarh Deputy Commissioner Nishant Yadav, DGP Sagar Preet Hooda, and SSP Kanwardeep Kaur arrived to oversee the security measures. Organizers had not specified a route, but the potential for protesters to enter Chandigarh led to heightened police and security vigilance. Additional personnel were stationed on major roads and entry points, while barricading and restrictions disrupted traffic at various intersections.
Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar) president Simranjit Singh Mann was apprehended by the Chandigarh Police after approaching the Governor's residence. Security measures were reinforced following the violent protest on July 29 at the Chandigarh-Mohali border, where protesters breached police barriers and skirmished with security forces.
Prohibitory orders under Section 163 were issued in Mohali, and extensive barriers were erected on roads leading to Chandigarh. A video emerged on Friday, showing Hawara in jail, urging supporters to maintain a peaceful demonstration, stay vigilant against troublemakers, and instruct youth volunteers to maintain order. Authorities maintained a presence at key locations, monitoring the situation and movements of protesters.
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