Chandigarh News: Uproar Over Release of Sikh Prisoners, Protesters Clash with Police

Chandigarh: The long-standing issue of the release of Sikh prisoners has once again taken to the streets in Punjab. On Saturday, August 15, a confrontation broke out between protesters and police at the Chandigarh-Mohali border. Protesters associated with the Qaumi Insaaf Morcha were attempting to march towards the Punjab Governor’s residence in Chandigarh. Police had put up heavy barricading to stop them. As the situation escalated, police used tear gas and water cannons.

The protesters’ main demand is the release of Sikh prisoners who, according to them, have completed their prescribed sentences or have spent long periods in prison. The demand for parole for Jagtar Singh Hawara, who is serving a life sentence in the case related to the assassination of former Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh, is also a major issue being raised by the protesters.

Key Highlights of Today’s Protest

• A confrontation took place between protesters and police at the Chandigarh-Mohali border.

• The protesters wanted to march towards the Governor’s residence.

• Police attempted to block the route with barricades.

• Tear gas and water cannons were used after the situation escalated.

• Protesters are demanding the release of Sikh prisoners who have spent long periods in jail.

• The demand for parole for Jagtar Singh Hawara is also a major issue for the protesters.

• The Morcha has called for a Punjab bandh on August 21.

Why Is the Protest Taking Place?

The issue of Sikh prisoners’ release has remained a sensitive subject in Punjab’s political and social discourse for a long time. Protesters connect the issue with the “Bandi Singhs” cause. They argue that some prisoners have spent long periods in jail despite having completed their sentences and have still not been released.

The Qaumi Insaaf Morcha has been protesting over this demand at the Chandigarh-Mohali border for a long time. On Saturday, protesters once again attempted to enter Chandigarh and march towards the Governor’s residence. Police tried to stop them at the border as part of the security arrangements.

The attempt eventually led to a confrontation. According to reports, protesters tried to cross the security barricades, following which police used force to push the crowd back.

Why Is Jagtar Singh Hawara’s Parole in the Spotlight?

Jagtar Singh Hawara’s name has received significant attention in the entire matter. Hawara is serving a life sentence in the case related to the assassination of former Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh.

In recent days, the issue of his parole has also emerged at the political level. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann had appealed to the Governor to grant Hawara 10 days of parole. The request was made on humanitarian grounds, particularly to allow him to meet his elderly mother.

Congress leader and Beant Singh’s grandson Ravneet Singh Bittu has also supported the request on humanitarian grounds. Governor Gulab Chand Kataria was also reported to have recommended parole for Hawara on humanitarian grounds. However, a recommendation does not mean that parole has been finally granted. The final decision has to be taken through the relevant legal and administrative process.

Why Is the Beant Singh Assassination Case So Sensitive?

Former Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh was assassinated on August 31, 1995. The incident is regarded as one of the most serious cases from Punjab’s terrorism-affected period.

Several people were convicted in connection with the case. Jagtar Singh Hawara was also sentenced to life imprisonment in connection with the conspiracy to assassinate Beant Singh. This is why the question of his parole is considered considerably more sensitive than that of an ordinary prisoner.

On one side, supporters are seeking permission for him to meet his mother on humanitarian grounds. On the other, because the case involves national security, public order, and a serious criminal conviction, the matter is highly significant from a legal and administrative perspective.

Did Police Use Drones to Drop Tear Gas Shells Today?

An important distinction needs to be made here.

The latest reports regarding the clash at the Chandigarh-Mohali border on August 15, 2026, mention the use of tear gas and water cannons by police. However, there is no confirmation in the available reliable reports that police used drones to drop tear-gas shells during today’s protest.

The use of drones to drop tear-gas shells became widely discussed in India during the 2024 farmers’ protest. At the time, security forces in Haryana used drones to drop tear-gas shells on protesters at the Shambhu border. The incident was reported by The Indian Express and other media organisations.

Therefore, it would be factually incorrect to present the 2024 incident as part of today’s protest.

How Has the Protest Affected the General Public?

People travelling between Chandigarh and Mohali faced significant inconvenience on Saturday. Security was increased and barricades were placed on several routes in view of the protest. Local residents also reported traffic congestion and road closures on social media.

Large-scale protests of this nature can directly affect employees, students, businesses, and public transport users travelling between Chandigarh, Mohali, and surrounding areas. In particular, people commuting daily between Mohali, Zirakpur, and Chandigarh may have to use alternative routes.

Punjab Bandh Called for August 21

Following today’s confrontation, there are signs that the agitation could intensify. The Qaumi Insaaf Morcha has called for a Punjab bandh on August 21. This could lead to increased political and administrative activity across the state in the coming days.

If the bandh receives widespread support, it could affect markets, public transport, educational institutions, and daily movement. However, its actual impact can only be assessed in the coming days based on participation by various organisations and the administration’s preparations.

What Challenge Does the Government Face?

The government faces a dual challenge in the entire dispute. On one hand, it has to consider demands concerning the release of long-term prisoners and parole on humanitarian grounds within the framework of the law. On the other, it must ensure public order and security.

In such cases, the release of a prisoner cannot be based solely on political pressure. Factors such as the conviction, nature of the sentence, conduct in prison, applicable state policies, security assessments, and judicial procedures may all be relevant.

This is why Hawara’s parole has become not only a political issue in Punjab but also a matter of legal and administrative debate.

What Could Happen Next?

Following today’s developments, the biggest question is whether protesters and the administration will be able to find a solution through dialogue. If talks do not progress, tensions could increase ahead of the proposed Punjab bandh on August 21.

At the same time, attention will remain focused on the final decision regarding Jagtar Singh Hawara’s parole. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s appeal, the Governor’s recommendation, and statements from other political leaders have once again brought the issue into national focus.

Conclusion

Today’s protest over the release of Sikh prisoners in Chandigarh is another major development in Punjab’s long-running and sensitive Bandi Singhs issue. Following the confrontation between police and protesters at the Chandigarh-Mohali border, attention is now focused on the next steps by the government and protest organisations.

The demand for Jagtar Singh Hawara’s parole has added further political significance to the agitation. Meanwhile, the call for a Punjab bandh on August 21 means the issue could become more intense in the coming days.

For now, the most important distinction is that the use of tear gas and water cannons by police during today’s incident has been reported, while the use of drones to drop tear-gas shells has not been confirmed in the latest available reports. Readers should understand this distinction because the drone-based tear-gas incident at the Shambhu border in 2024 was a separate development.