SNE NETWORK.CHANDIGARH.
On Independence Day in Mohali, Punjab, police used force to disperse Qaumi Insaaf Morcha protesters. The Qaumi Insaaf Morcha has been demanding the release of long-term Sikh prisoners (Bandi Singhs). Police had to use force to control the protest. Tensions erupted at the Mohali-Chandigarh border on Saturday following the Qaumi Insaaf Morcha’s announcement to surround the Punjab Governor House on August 15th.
Stopped at the Border
Police stopped protesters marching toward the Governor House at the border. When the protesters attempted to proceed further, a clash broke out between them and the police. As the situation escalated, police resorted to lathi charge and fired tear gas to disperse the crowd. Police also used water cannons.
Sloganeering and pushing continued
Protesters attempted to advance towards Chandigarh, but police barricaded them and stopped them. Sloganeering and pushing continued for a long time. Seeing the situation spiraling out of control, police resorted to force. Some protesters were reportedly injured during the protest, and several police officers were also reported injured.
Heavy security already in place at the border
Anticipating the possibility of Qaumi Insaaf Morcha supporters reaching Chandigarh, police had already increased security at the city’s borders and major entry points. Vehicles entering Chandigarh from Punjab were being checked. Additional police forces were deployed at sensitive locations, and special vigil was maintained on the roads leading to the Governor House. Police were trying to prevent large numbers of protesters from entering Chandigarh and advancing towards the Governor House. In view of the Independence Day celebrations, the administration prioritized maintaining law and order.
The issue was also raised in the High Court.
A public interest litigation was filed in the Punjab and Haryana High Court regarding the protest. Petitioner Vivek Singla expressed apprehension that large numbers of supporters of the Qaumi Insaaf Morcha (QIM) might enter Chandigarh and attempt to surround the Governor’s House. This threatened to impact law and order and traffic in the city. The petition also stated that large gatherings could block roads and disrupt the movement of emergency services. Anticipating a violent incident, additional security arrangements were demanded during Independence Day.
Who are the Bandi Sikh prisoners?
Bandi Singh refers to Sikh prisoners who were convicted of various crimes (such as murder, bomb blasts, etc.) during the terrorism/militancy in Punjab in the 1980s and 1990s and have been imprisoned for long periods.
This is the demand
The Qaumi Insaaf Morcha, the SGPC, and some Sikh organizations/political parties are demanding their release or parole. They say these prisoners have been in jail for a long time. Many of them are elderly and ill. They should be released on humanitarian grounds.
What does the government say?
The government and security agencies argue that these prisoners are guilty of serious crimes, so caution is necessary upon their release. This issue has been ongoing in Punjab for many years. The Qaumi Insaaf Morcha has been staging a sit-in at the Mohali-Chandigarh border since 2023 and continues to hold protests from time to time.###USA###UK###CANADA###QUAMI-INSAAF-MORCHA-PROTEST###PUNJAB###CHANDIGARH###INDIA###AUSTRALIA###GERMANY###IRELAND###SWEDEN###EUROPE###CHINA###HUNGRY###FRANCE###ITLAY###ROME###RUSSIA###UKRAINE###VIETNAM###SINGAPORE###@