Chandigarh: A march held in Chandigarh on Saturday to demand the release of Sikh prisoners garnered further attention when Simranjit Singh Mann, President of the Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar), arrived at the Punjab Raj Bhavan disguised as a patient, with bandages wrapped around his face. Police detained him after identifying him, though he was released shortly thereafter. Earlier, tensions had flared between the police and protesters—including members of the Qaumi Insaaf Morcha and various other Sikh organisations—as authorities tried to stop them from advancing toward the Raj Bhavan. Police used water cannons and tear gas to hold back the crowd.
Why were the protesters marching toward the Raj Bhavan?
The protesters have long been demanding the release of Sikh prisoners who have been incarcerated for extended periods. On Saturday, a large number of people began marching from the Mohali-Chandigarh border toward the Punjab Lok Bhavan. Their objective was to convey their demands to the Governor. Key demands included not only the release of long-incarcerated Sikh prisoners but also the granting of a 10-day parole to Jagtar Singh Hawara.
How did tensions escalate between the police and the protesters?
Police had set up barricades at the border to prevent the protesters from advancing. The situation deteriorated when the crowd attempted to breach the barricades. Police used water cannons and fired tear gas shells to push the protesters back. Scuffles and confrontations broke out between the protesters and the police at several locations. According to reports, protesters also attempted to use tractors to remove the barricades.
Why did Simranjit Singh Mann arrive disguised as a patient?
Amidst this tension, Simranjit Singh Mann was spotted heading toward the Raj Bhavan in a vehicle. Bandages were wrapped around his head and face, giving him the appearance of an injured person or a patient. Police personnel present at the scene grew suspicious of his presence. Upon stopping and inspecting the vehicle, his identity was confirmed, and the police subsequently took him into custody.
What happened to Mann after he was taken into custody?
The police detained Simranjit Singh Mann for a brief period before releasing him. The incident became a major talking point during the protest after photos and videos of his detention surfaced. However, available reports indicate that Mann has not yet provided a detailed explanation for arriving at the Raj Bhavan in this guise.
How long has the movement for the release of Sikh prisoners been going on?
The ‘Qaumi Insaaf Morcha’ movement, advocating for the release of Sikh prisoners, has been ongoing for a long time at the Mohali-Chandigarh border. Protesters are demanding the release of prisoners who, they claim, have completed their sentences or have been incarcerated for extended periods. Saturday’s action was part of an effort to further this movement.
What decision was taken following the protest?
There are reports that, following Saturday’s clash, the protesters have called for a ‘Punjab Bandh’ (shutdown) on August 21. This suggests that the issue could escalate politically and socially in the coming days, rather than remaining confined to a single day of protest. For now, security at the Chandigarh-Mohali border has been stepped up following the confrontation between the police and the protesters.
