Chandigarh: Tension mounted at the Chandigarh-Mohali border on Saturday after security forces deployed water cannons and tear gas shells to prevent members of the Qaumi Insaaf Morcha from marching into the union territory. The confrontation broke out when demonstrator groups attempted to dismantle heavy police barricades and advance their procession towards Chandigarh.
Despite repeated warnings and appeals from law enforcement officials to retreat, protesters remained steadfast in their efforts to push forward, with some attempting to clear barricades positioned behind tractors. In response, police resorted to water cannons and lobbed tear gas canisters, reportedly utilizing drones to drop gas shells across the area to disperse the gathering crowd and halt the march.
A substantial contingent of police personnel and senior administrative officials has been stationed across the inter-state border to prevent further escalation and maintain law and order. While unverified reports indicated that certain demonstrators may have been carrying weapons, security forces continue to maintain a strict perimeter to keep the situation contained.