On the Mohali-Chandigarh border, protesters demanding the release of “Bandi Singhs” clashed with Chandigarh Police, injuring at least 40 officers.
An escort vehicle of the UT IGP, six buses, three police Gypsies, a bike, and a water tank were vandalized.
Police personnel were attacked with blunt weapons by youths brandishing swords and brandishing swords. Approximately 40 personnel, including seven from the Rapid Action Force (RAF), were injured and treated at Government Multi-Specialty Hospital, Sector 16, Chandigarh. Stones were thrown at vehicles’ windshields and tyres were deflated by the youths. The road was littered with bricks and stones after the incident. In a bid to move towards Chandigarh, the protesters tried breaking through the barricades around 3 p.m. There was a clash that erupted after they attempted to break through the barricades. Three days ago, the Kaumi Insaaf Morcha, which has been sitting on the border since January 7, called for moving towards the Punjab Chief Minister’s house in order to press their demands.
As early as 11 a.m., nearly 1,000 protesters gathered at the site and moved to the barricades where negotiations began. Suddenly, the crowd became agitated and tried to force its way through, so the police used water cannons and a mild lathicharge to disperse it. The police were taken completely by surprise by a group of armed protesters riding horses. The attack injured police personnel as they ran for cover.
According to UT DGP Praveer Ranjan, “The protesters informed us of their move three days ago. The Punjab CM’s house is in a high security area in Chandigarh, where Section 144 is in force. Around 1,000 protesters, however, tried to break through barricades near Sector 51-52 on the Chandigarh border. The police personnel were attacked when they were stopped. From the rear, another group attacked. There are about 25-30 people in the hospital.”
