Police Deploy Water Cannons as Akali Dal Waris Punjab De Marches on CM Residence
Law enforcement utilized high-pressure water cannons to intercept protesters at the Mohali-Chandigarh border on July 29, 2026. The demonstration aimed to pressure the government over the release of MP Amritpal Singh and other Sikh detainees.
Confrontation at the Mohali-Chandigarh Border
Security forces engaged in a tense standoff with Akali Dal Waris Punjab De activists on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. The group attempted to bypass heavy barricades at the border between Mohali and Chandigarh while marching toward the official residence of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. To prevent the crowd from entering the Union Territory, police deployed water cannons against the demonstrators. In a notable moment of defiance, one individual climbed on top of a police water cannon vehicle as the crowd pressed against the security cordon.
Demands for Release of Amritpal Singh and Bandi Singhs
The march originated at Gurdwara Amb Sahib in Mohali, with participants carrying banners featuring Khadoor Sahib MP Amritpal Singh and various Sikh prisoners. Among the leadership present was Tarsem Singh, father of the jailed Member of Parliament. The organization is demanding the immediate release of several individuals, including:
- Amritpal Singh: The Khadoor Sahib MP currently held in Dibrugarh jail, Assam, in connection with the 2023 Ajnala Police Station incident. Although his National Security Act detention concluded on April 22, he remains incarcerated.
- Bandi Singhs: Sikh prisoners convicted during the militancy era of the 1990s. Advocacy groups argue these individuals have remained in custody well past the completion of their legal sentences.
Strategic Deployment and Containment
Despite the establishment of significant roadblocks and the presence of a massive police contingent, several protesters managed to breach initial perimeters to continue their advance toward the Chief Minister’s home. The Akali Dal Waris Punjab De had previously signaled their intent to carry out this 'gherao' to highlight the plight of Sikh prisoners. Authorities maintained a strict blockade throughout the afternoon to ensure the protest did not reach the residential sectors of the capital city.
Source: The Hindu — News
