Chandigarh: Tear Gas Fired as Sikh Detainees' Release Protest Marches Towards Raj Bhavan

Protest Turns Tense on Independence Day

On India's 79th Independence Day, a protest in Chandigarh demanding the release of Sikh detainees took a tense turn on Saturday. Protesters, under the banner of Qaumi Insaaf Morcha, attempted to march towards Raj Bhavan, prompting police to use tear gas to stop them.

Amidst the events, Shiromani Akali Dal leader and former MP Simranjit Singh Mann was reportedly detained while attempting to reach Raj Bhavan disguised as a patient. The protest was centered on the immediate release of Sikh detainees who, according to the protesters, have completed their mandated sentences.

Simranjit Singh Mann Detained in Disguise Attempt

An unexpected development occurred during the protest when former MP Simranjit Singh Mann, allegedly wearing bandages to conceal his identity and posing as a patient, approached the vicinity of Raj Bhavan in a vehicle. Security forces were already heavily deployed around the area.

Police became suspicious of the vehicle's movements and, upon preliminary investigation, identified the individual. Mann was subsequently taken into custody, further intensifying the situation at the protest site.

Police Action to Halt March Towards Raj Bhavan

The Qaumi Insaaf Morcha had called for a large gathering to press their demands for the release of Sikh detainees. Protesters were adamant about proceeding beyond the designated protest area towards Raj Bhavan.

Police had erected multiple barricades to prevent their advance. As the standoff escalated and the situation became difficult to control, police resorted to using tear gas to disperse the crowd.

Sikh Detainees Demanded for Release

Various Sikh detainees have been repeatedly named by protesting organizations. Prominent among them are Jagtar Singh Hawara, Balwant Singh Rajoana, Jagtar Singh Tara, Paramjit Singh Bhiora, Devinderpal Singh Bhullar, Gurdeep Singh Kheda, Lakhwinder Singh Lakha, Gurmeet Singh, and Shamsher Singh.

Many of these individuals have been convicted in terrorism, murder, and other serious criminal cases and have been serving lengthy sentences. Protesters argue that some have completed their legally stipulated terms and should be released. However, the legal processes in these cases are complex, with varying sentence durations, appeal statuses, court orders, and government considerations for clemency or release.

Tight Security on Independence Day

In light of the protest on Independence Day, the Chandigarh administration and police maintained a high state of alert. Significant security forces were deployed at Raj Bhavan and other sensitive locations across the city.

Police monitored the protesters' activities continuously, with the administration's primary focus on maintaining law and order and preventing any untoward incidents. The protest has once again brought the sensitive issue of Sikh detainees' release to the forefront of Chandigarh's political discourse.