CHANDIGARH: Chandigarh Police on Saturday used tear gas shells and water cannons to disperse protesters who attempted to breach barricades during a march towards Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria’s residence, demanding the release of Sikh prisoners, including Jagtar Singh Hawara.According to officials, some protesters climbed over barricades while others tried to pull them down with the help of a tractor as they sought to move towards Lok Bhavan, the official residence of the Punjab Governor in Chandigarh, according to news agency PTI.Police responded by firing several rounds of tear gas shells and deploying water cannons to stop the protesters from advancing.Authorities had put in place extensive security arrangements at the Chandigarh-Mohali borders ahead of the march. Multi-layered barricades topped with barbed wire were erected, while anti-riot vehicles and a large contingent of police personnel, including members of the Rapid Action Force, were deployed in the area.All border points between Chandigarh and Mohali were sealed, and tipper trucks were stationed at several locations as part of the security measures.The march was organised by the Qaumi Insaaf Morcha, which has been seeking the release of ‘Bandi Singhs’ (Sikh prisoners). The organisation claims that several Sikh prisoners remain lodged in jails despite having completed their sentences.Among those whose release is being demanded are Hawara, Balwant Singh Rajoana and Devinderpal Singh Bhullar.Hawara is serving a life sentence for his role in the assassination of then Punjab chief minister Beant Singh in 1995. Rajoana is also a convict in the same case, while Bhullar is serving a sentence in connection with the 1993 Delhi bomb blast case.The term ‘Bandi Singhs’ refers to Sikh prisoners convicted for their involvement in militancy during the Punjab insurgency of the 1990s.The Qaumi Insaaf Morcha has been staging a protest near Sector 52-53 in Chandigarh and YPS Chowk in Mohali since January 7, 2023, as part of its campaign for the release of Sikh prisoners.Several Sikh organisations and political groups, including the Shiromani Akali Dal (Waris Punjab De), SAD (Punar Surjit) and various Nihang bodies, have extended support to the Qaumi Insaaf Morcha.
