Tear gas, water cannons used against Qaumi Insaf morcha protesters, Punjab Bandh call on August 21

Chandigarh police on August 15, 2026, deployed tear gas shells and water cannons to disperse protesters from the Qaumi Insaf Morcha who attempted to breach barricades during a march toward the Punjab Governor’s residence in Chandigarh. The demonstration, which coincided with Independence Day, was organized to demand the release of Sikh prisoners, including Jagtar Singh Hawara, who is serving a life sentence for the 1995 assassination of former Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh. Protesters gathered near YPS Chowk in Mohali and moved toward Chandigarh, prompting tight security measures at the Chandigarh-Mohali border. Barricades topped with barbed wire were erected, and anti-riot vehicles and rapid action forces were deployed to manage the situation. Protesters attempted to dismantle barriers and push forward despite repeated police warnings. Some tried to remove barricades manually, while others used a tractor to attempt to clear the path. In response, police launched tear gas shells and activated water cannons to disperse the group. A drone was also used to drop tear gas shells onto the demonstrators. Tight security was maintained throughout the day, with all border points between Chandigarh and Mohali sealed off. Tipper trucks were stationed at strategic locations to reinforce the barricades and control movement. The police command included Director General of Police Sagar Preet Hooda, Deputy Commissioner Nishant Kumar Yadav, and Chandigarh Senior Superintendent of Police Kanwardeep Kaur, who oversaw the operation personally. Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar) president Simranjit Singh Mann was among those detained by Chandigarh police. He was seen with a bandage on his head after reportedly reaching near the Governor’s residence before being taken into custody. The Qaumi Insaf Morcha had previously called for a “Punjab Bandh” on August 21, urging citizens to participate in a statewide shutdown to pressure authorities for the release of Sikh prisoners. Leaders of the morcha emphasized the need for peaceful demonstrations and highlighted ongoing demands for the parole of individuals such as Hawara, who is currently imprisoned in Delhi. A video circulated online on August 14 showed Hawara addressing supporters, urging them to conduct the upcoming march peacefully and remain vigilant against potential disruptions. He specifically requested assistance from youth volunteers to maintain order during the gathering. Other figures within the Shiromani Akali Dal, including SAD (Punar Surjit) leader Parminder Singh Dindsa, also voiced calls for the release of Sikh prisoners, emphasizing the constitutional rights of all communities. Dindsa stated that the gathering reflected the collective sentiment of the Sikh community and underscored the importance of equal treatment under the law. Qaumi Insaf Morcha leaders later addressed media outlets, asserting that police used tear gas and water cannons against protesters even when they were close to the barricades. They reiterated their commitment to conducting future protests in a peaceful manner and stressed the urgency of securing parole for Hawara, particularly due to his ailing mother. The morcha also pointed out that several Sikh prisoners continue to serve sentences despite having completed their terms, suggesting systemic issues in the justice system. Security measures were heightened following previous incidents, including clashes during the Waris Punjab De protest at the Chandigarh-Mohali border on July 29. That event saw protesters breaching barricades and clashing with security personnel, prompting authorities to impose prohibitory orders under Section 163 in Mohali. Extensive barricading was implemented on routes leading to Chandigarh, and additional personnel were deployed to monitor movement and ensure compliance with security protocols. As the situation unfolded, police and security agencies remained actively engaged in managing the flow of protesters and maintaining public order.