Panjokhra Sahib Case: Protesters Clash with Police in Ambala, Tear Gas Fired

Tensions escalated in Ambala after a large number of members of the Sikh community blocked the national highway, demanding registration of a case against GurSimran Singh Mand, leader of an organisation opposed to Khalistan, and the release of youths facing action in connection with allegations of an attack on him. As the situation turned tense, police fired tear gas shells at the protesters. Dozens of demonstrators were reportedly injured while police attempted to clear the road. More than half a dozen police personnel also sustained injuries. According to the police, DSP Varinder Singh suffered a cut to his thumb, while seven to eight police personnel were admitted to the intensive care unit of a hospital. The Sikh congregation had first held a meeting at Gurdwara Panjokhra Sahib. Members of the Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee and representatives of various organisations attended the meeting. Following the meeting, a large number of people moved towards the Ambala-Naraingarh Road. Police attempted to stop the protesters, but the road was blocked. Later, a large gathering of Sikh community members staged a sit-in in front of Jaggi City Centre on the Ambala-Delhi National Highway, disrupting traffic. The protesters alleged that police had acted promptly on a complaint filed by Mand, while action expected on a complaint submitted by the gurdwara management had not been taken. They demanded that a case be registered against Mand, the action initiated against the youths be withdrawn and those taken into custody be released. The dispute dates back to August 7, when GurSimran Singh Mand arrived at Gurdwara Panjokhra Sahib along with security personnel. Following an argument at the site, a case emerged in which Mand was allegedly beaten by a crowd and Nihangs, while his Innova vehicle was also vandalised. Police subsequently registered a case against some individuals. After receiving information about the escalating tension, Ambala IG Pankaj Nain and SP Ajit Singh Shekhawat reached the spot with a large police contingent. They held discussions with the protesters and attempted to bring the situation under control. Police assured the congregation that appropriate action would be taken on their demands. However, officials made it clear that in the case of individuals already in judicial custody, further action could only be taken through the judicial process. Traffic on the highway remained affected until late evening, while tension continued to prevail in the area.