Tear Gas, Water Cannons Used On Qaumi Insaaf Morcha Protesters In Chandigarh; Punjab Bandh Called On August 21

On August 21, 2023, police in Chandigarh deployed tear gas and water cannons to disperse protesters attempting to breach barricades during a march to Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria's residence. The demonstrators, supporters of the Qaumi Insaaf Morcha, were advocating for the release of Sikh prisoners, including Jagtar Singh Hawara, serving a life sentence for Beant Singh's 1995 assassination. The confrontation highlighted the persistent issue of Sikh prisoners in Punjab.

Protesters tried to remove barricades and barbed wire, while others attempted to pull them down using a tractor. Tensions escalated as tear gas shells were dropped using a drone. The Qaumi Insaaf Morcha subsequently called for a Punjab Bandh on August 21 to further push for the release of Sikh prisoners. The agitation extended beyond Saturday's event in Chandigarh.

SAD (Amritsar) president Simranjit Singh Mann was detained by police while attempting to reach the Governor's residence. He was seen sitting down at a barricade before being taken away. The Chandigarh-Mohali border was sealed, with multi-layered barricades, tipper trucks stationed, and an extensive police force deployed. Police chief Sagar Preet Hooda and Deputy Commissioner Nishant Kumar Yadav supervised security arrangements, appealing for peaceful protests.

Hawara had previously appealed for peace in a video, urging Sikh youth to ensure a peaceful march. SAD (Punar Surjit) leader Parminder Singh Dhindsa emphasized the release of Sikh prisoners during the gathering. Giani Harpreet Singh, SAD (Punar Surjit) president, reiterated the demand for equal rights for Sikhs. The Qaumi Insaaf Morcha vowed to continue the peaceful fight for the release of "Bandi Singhs" and requested Hawara's parole to visit his ailing mother.