Teargas and Lathicharge Erupt as Sikh Protesters Clash with Police in Ambala
Police in Haryana deployed tear gas and lathicharge to clear a highway blockade in Ambala on Thursday. The protest, demanding action against Gursimran Singh Mand, resulted in injuries to police and protesters.
Key takeaways
- Police in Ambala used tear gas and lathicharge to disperse Sikh protesters who blocked the Delhi-Amritsar National Highway on Thursday.
- The protest demanded action against Gursimran Singh Mand, accused of attempting to run over people with his car.
- Several police officers, including a DSP, and numerous protesters sustained injuries during the confrontations.
- The highway was blocked for over six hours, disrupting traffic and leading to stranded vehicles.
- Police reported that some protesters were armed and attacked officers, while protesters demanded the release of individuals arrested for allegedly assaulting Mand.
Authorities in Haryana used tear gas and batons on Thursday to clear protesters who had blocked the Delhi-Amritsar National Highway in Ambala. The demonstration aimed to pressure authorities to take action against Gursimran Singh Mand, the national president of the International Anti-Khalistani Terrorist Front. Mand is accused of attempting to run over individuals with his car on August 7.
The clashes led to injuries among approximately half a dozen police officers, including a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), and several protesters. The highway remained disrupted for over six hours. According to police, DSP Virender Sharma sustained sharp injuries to his hand from a weapon, prompting the use of lathicharge.
Protesters had gathered near Gurdwara Panjokhra Sahib, demanding a case be registered against Mand. Earlier, Mand was reportedly assaulted by a mob, sustaining minor injuries and damage to his vehicle. Two security personnel were also injured during that incident. Police have since arrested two individuals in connection with the alleged attack on Mand, who have been remanded to judicial custody.
The protest involved demonstrators breaking through initial barricades on NH-344 before encountering a second set where police deployed tear gas. Another group staged a sit-in on the Ambala-Amritsar Highway, causing a significant number of vehicles, including trucks, to be stranded. Despite multiple rounds of negotiations, the highway remained blocked.
Ambala SP Ajit Singh Shekhawat reported that some protesters were armed with weapons including spears, swords, and axes, and attacked police personnel after dark. He also alleged that protesters snatched keys from stranded trucks, including a tanker, hindering efforts to clear the roadway and increasing the risk of accidents.
Sources reviewed
Project Chintan independently synthesized and analyzed information cross-checked across the sources listed above.
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