Chandigarh police fire tear gas and water cannons to block protest march on Independence Day

The Qaumi Insaaf Morcha organized a demonstration on Independence Day, demanding the release of Sikh prisoners and parole for Jagtar Singh Hawara, convicted in the killing of former Punjab chief minister Beant Singh. Protesters assembled at YPS Chowk in Mohali and attempted to advance toward the Punjab Governor's House in Chandigarh. Authorities set up barricades at the Mohali-Chandigarh border and other entry points, and when some participants tried to breach them, police used water cannons and fired tear-gas shells to halt the march.

Heavy vehicles blocked key routes, restricting traffic in both directions. Deputy Commissioner Nishant Yadav, DGP Sagar Preet Hooda and SSP Kanwardeep Kaur monitored the situation, while Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar) president Simranjit Singh Mann was arrested after approaching the governor’s house. The security measures followed earlier clashes during the Waris Punjab De protest on July 29, and a video of Hawara urged supporters to keep the gathering peaceful.