Chandigarh: The atmosphere on the Mohali-Chandigarh border became tense on Saturday demanding the release of Sikh prisoners who have completed their sentence in Punjab jails. To stop the protesters led by Qaumi Insaaf Morcha from moving towards the Governor House of Chandigarh, the police closed the road by barricading near YPS Chowk. During this, there was a clash between the protesters and the police. Apart from the release of Sikh prisoners, the protesters were also demanding parole to Jagtar Singh Hawara, who is serving life imprisonment in the murder case of former Chief Minister Beant Singh.
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Attempt to break barricade with tractor
The crowd of protesters tried to remove the police barricades with the help of tractors to move forward. When the situation worsened, the police used water cannon. Despite this, when the protesters did not step back, the police released tear gas shells to disperse the crowd. Police also used tear gas through drones. After this the protesters retreated. According to Chandigarh Police, some protesters also pelted stones at policemen, in which some soldiers were injured. Senior officers including DC Nishant Yadav, DGP Sargpreet Hooda and SSP Kanwardeep Kaur were present on the occasion.
Simranjit Singh Mann taken into custody
During the demonstration, Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar) President and former MP Simranjit Singh Mann also reached near the Governor House. The police took him into custody. In view of the tension, many routes between Chandigarh and Mohali were closed. Barricading was done by parking heavy vehicles on both sides so that the protesters could not move forward towards Chandigarh.
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Hawara had released the video a day ago
A video of jailed Jagtar Singh Hawara had surfaced on Friday, a day before the demonstration. In this he had appealed to keep the demonstration peaceful. He had asked the protesters to beware of mischievous elements and asked the youth to become volunteers and maintain order.
Hawara is asking for parole to meet his mother
Jagtar Singh Hawara is serving life imprisonment in the murder case of former Chief Minister Beant Singh. He is seeking parole to visit his ailing mother. A recommendation for his 10-day parole was sent to the Governor by the Punjab Government, which was further sent to the Union Home Ministry. According to government sources, earlier there was talk of giving one day parole to Hawara but he had refused to accept it. After the demonstration, Qaumi Insaaf Morcha has announced a Punjab bandh on August 21.