Punjab Newsline | Chandigarh/Mohali
Protesters demanding the release of Sikh prisoners who have completed their sentences clashed with Chandigarh Police on Saturday while attempting to march towards the Governor House from Mohali.
The demonstration was led by the Qaumi Insaaf Morcha, which is also demanding parole for Jagtar Singh Hawara, who is serving a life sentence in connection with the assassination of former Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh.
The protesters gathered near YPS Chowk in Mohali as part of their march towards Chandigarh. Anticipating the demonstration, Chandigarh Police sealed the border areas from the morning and deployed heavy security.
Large vehicles were positioned on routes connecting Chandigarh and Mohali, restricting movement between the two cities. Paramilitary forces were also deployed at key points.
Tensions escalated when an agitated crowd allegedly attempted to break through police barricades using a tractor. Police responded by deploying water cannons. When the protesters continued to advance, tear gas shells were fired using launchers, while drones were also used as part of the security operation to disperse the crowd.
Senior officials, including Deputy Commissioner Nishant Yadav, DGP Saragpreet Hooda and SSP Kanwardeep Kaur, reached the spot to oversee the situation.
Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar) president and former MP Simranjit Singh Mann, who reached near the Governor House, was taken into custody by the police.
Punjab bandh announced for August 21
Qaumi Insaaf Morcha leaders said Saturday's program had been successful and announced that they would not proceed further with the march. They also announced a Punjab bandh on August 21.
The leaders accused the police of blocking the Chandigarh-Mohali routes, saying that the protesters themselves had not obstructed roads.
Hawara had appealed for peaceful protest
A day before the demonstration, a video message from Jagtar Singh Hawara surfaced from jail. In the video, Hawara appealed to protesters to maintain peace, remain cautious of miscreants and urged young people to volunteer to help maintain order during the demonstration.
Hawara's parole request pending with Centre
Hawara, who is serving a life sentence in the Beant Singh assassination case, has sought parole to meet his ailing mother.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has reportedly recommended 10 days of parole for Hawara to the Governor. The Governor subsequently forwarded the recommendation to the Union Home Ministry for consideration.
According to government sources, Hawara had earlier been offered one day's parole, but he reportedly declined it. His request for a longer period of parole remains pending with the Central government.
