Qaumi Insaaf Morcha protest: Tear gas, water cannons used as supporters try to enter Chandigarh

Chandigarh Police on Saturday used tear gas and water cannons to disperse supporters of the Qaumi Insaaf Morcha who attempted to forcibly enter Chandigarh from the Yadavindra Public School border in Mohali.


The protesters attempted to remove police barricades and move towards Chandigarh, following which the police used water cannons and fired tear gas shells to disperse them.


Some protesters reportedly tried to remove barricades and barbed wire, but were unsuccessful. They also attempted to breach the barricades using tractors. Despite repeated appeals by the police to move back, the protesters remained determined to proceed towards Chandigarh.


SGPC chief backs Qaumi Insaaf Morcha’s August 15 protest march seeking release of Sikh prisoners

A large number of police personnel had been deployed at the spot to maintain law and order. There were also claims that some young protesters were carrying weapons, which Chandigarh Police officials said they had spotted.

The local police also reportedly detained Simranjit Singh Mann, who came near Punjab Lok Bhawan disguised as a patient with his face covered in bandages. However, the local police have not confirmed any such development. SouthAsians & Diaspora
Qaumi Insaaf Morcha protesters try to break through a police barricade during the protest, in Chandigarh, on Saturday. Tribune photo: Vicky

Qaumi Insaaf Morcha protesters try to break through a police barricade during the protest, in Chandigarh, on Saturday. Tribune photo: Vicky

Meanwhile, at the Chandigarh-Mohali border, police continued to use water cannons and tear gas to prevent the protesters from entering the city. Vehicles of security agencies from nearby areas had also been deployed to stop the protesters.

Meanwhile, the Qaumi Insaf Morcha gave a call for ‘Punjab Bandh’ on August 21 to press for the release of Sikh prisoners and urged people to support the shutdown.