Clashes break out between protesters and police at Mohali-Chandigarh border

By Lalit Sharma: Clashes broke out between Chandigarh Police and supporters of Qaumi Insaaf Morcha at Mohali-Chandigarh border on Wednesday. The protesters are demanding the release of Bandi Sikhs who have been languishing in jails even after the completion of the terms.

According to Chandigarh DGP, Praveer Ranjan, “Quami Insaaf Morcha had been set up at Mohali - Chandigarh border since January 7 whereby Sikh organisations have been demanding the release of Bandi Sikhs who have been languishing in jails even after the completion of the terms.”

He added that protesters were moving towards Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s house and police had to use water cannons to stop them.

According to the police, it all started when protesters started stone pelting after which the police used water cannons on them.

The Nihangs allegedly used swords and even horses to cross the barricades. Several policemen and Rapid Action Force personnels were also reported to be injured. Chandigarh police vehicle was also vandalised. Media personnel were also reported to be injured in the clash.

The protesters are demanding immediate release of Sikh prisoners lodged in different jails despite completion of their jail sentences.

The DGP Of Chandigarh along with SSP visited the spot and stated that FIR would be registered against people responsible for this. DGP Praveer Ranjan also stated that the protesters used all kinds of weapons and attacked Chandigarh Police.

He stated that he was in touch with Punjab DGP and had been coordinating with them but today's incident has taken Chandigarh Police by surprise. The DGP stated that video footage would be checked and those all responsible would be booked.