Protest Turns Violent as Police, Protestors Clash at Chandigarh-Mohali Border

Chandigarh police and protesters seeking the release of ‘Bandi Singhs’ clashed at the Chandigarh-Mohali border. According to a new report, over two dozen cops were injured in the altercation. Another report states the altercation started with a stone pelting incident which escalated into the police lathi charging at the protestors.

Protesters including religious leaders and farmer groups were reportedly making angry speeches from the stage at the protest site. As per the report, an incident of stone pelting caused the police to respond with lathi charging and water cannons. It was also reported that some protestors wanted to meet CM Bhagwant Mann regarding their demands and they destroyed all the barricading trying to forcefully come near his residence.

Chandigarh DGP Praveer Ranjan stated that 25 to 30 police personnel, including half a dozen RAF jawans, were injured in the clash at the Chandigarh-Mohali border.

During the altercation, at least one bus, three police gypsies, a bike, and a water tank were vandalized. Some of the young protestors threw stones at the windshields of vehicles and deflated tires. A report citing eyewitnesses states some of the protestors could be seen charging at the police officers with swords.

A large number of Sikh protestors have been present near Mohali Gurdwara Amb Sahib on the Chandigarh-Punjab border under the Quami Insaaf Morcha since January 7. These protestors have been demanding the release of Sikh prisoners, quick punishment of the accused in firing cases, and justice in sacrilege cases.

Videos of the incident show the police using water cannons to suppress the protestors while the protestors can be seen charging toward the police with sticks and swords. Another video shows the protestors using a tractor to take down the barricades. The altercation lasted for about 2 and a half hours.

Vineet Washington