Chandigarh police detain Simranjit Mann as Sikh prisoners march turns violent

Chandigarh police used tear gas, water cannons and a drone to disperse protesters from the Qaumi Insaaf Morcha who tried to march to Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria's residence on Saturday, August 15. The protesters were demanding the release of Sikh prisoners, including Jagtar Singh Hawara, convicted for the 1995 assassination of former Chief Minister Beant Singh, reports The Federal. Rediff.com adds that some protesters tried to remove barricades with a tractor, and Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar) president Simranjit Singh Mann was detained after reaching near a barricade with bandages on his head.

Police said in a statement that Mann and three others have been booked under the BNS and the Punjab Security of State Act, while 17 others were arrested after the protest. Hindustan Times reports that Mann's son Emaan Singh Mann was among eight arrested under Section 223 of the BNS. The morcha claims several Sikh prisoners remain incarcerated despite completing their sentences. The Qaumi Insaaf Morcha has called for a 'Punjab Bandh' on August 21 to press for the release of the prisoners.

Chandigarh police said a complaint by an assistant sub-inspector led to four FIRs. Protesters allegedly violated district magistrate orders, blocked roads, and attempted to break barricades while carrying swords, axes and spears. Police recovered swords from two vehicles. The morcha's previous march on February 8, 2023, left 33 policemen injured.