Mohali, August 17: Tensions rose along the Chandigarh-Mohali border on Independence Day when a march organized by the Qaumi Insaaf Morcha and allied groups turned chaotic as protesters attempted to defy prohibitory orders and enter the city toward Punjab Lok Bhawan.
Police personnel deployed multi-layer barricading, anti-riot vehicles, water cannons, and Rapid Action Force personnel across key entry points to maintain order. In an unprecedented move to disperse crowds attempting to break through security at the Mattour barrier, authorities utilized drones to lob tear gas.
“Protesters tried to break through the barricades with swords, axes, spears and other weapons while raising slogans demanding the release of Sikh prisoners,” stated police sources regarding the clashes.
In total, 21 individuals have been booked across four separate cases, including Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar) chief Simranjit Singh Mann and his son Emaan Singh Mann. Authorities detained the senior leader near Punjab Lok Bhawan after he reportedly sought to pass through security measures in an ambulance.
“Mann allegedly disguised himself as a patient, with his head wrapped in bandages, and sat in an ambulance in a bid to slip past the security cordon near Punjab Lok Bhawan, Sector 6,” affirmed officials familiar with the developments.
The demonstration was called to urge the release of Sikh prisoners, including Jagtar Singh Hawara. Following the events, the Morcha has announced a call for a statewide bandh on August 21, while police investigations into all registered cases remain under way.
