Chandigarh: Tension prevailed at the Mohali-Chandigarh border on Wednesday after members of Akali Dal Waris Punjab De and several Sikh organisations attempted to march towards Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s official residence, demanding the release of Bandi Singhs and Khadoor Sahib MP Amritpal Singh.
A heavy police force was deployed at the border, with multiple barricades erected to prevent the protesters from entering Chandigarh. As the demonstrators attempted to move ahead, police stopped them, triggering a heated face-off between the two sides.
The situation escalated after some protesters allegedly tried to breach the barricades, leading to a scuffle with security personnel. Police used water cannons to disperse the crowd and push the protesters back. Reports also indicated that mild baton charging was carried out during the confrontation.
Despite the police action, some protesters reportedly managed to cross the barricades and proceed towards Chandigarh before being stopped by security personnel.
The protesters said their agitation was aimed at pressing for the release of Bandi Singhs, who are lodged in prisons across Punjab and other parts of the country. They also reiterated their demand for the release of Khadoor Sahib MP Amritpal Singh, who is currently lodged in Dibrugarh Central Jail in Assam under the National Security Act (NSA).
Security has been tightened in the area to prevent any further escalation, while authorities continue to monitor the situation.
