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A protest march demanding the release of Bandi Singhs escalated into a tense confrontation on Saturday after Nihang groups and Qaumi Insaaf Morcha supporters attempted to cross security barricades at the Chandigarh-Mohali border
Mohali/Chandigarh: A protest march demanding the release of Bandi Singhs escalated into a tense confrontation on Saturday after Nihang groups and Qaumi Insaaf Morcha supporters attempted to cross security barricades at the Chandigarh-Mohali border. Chandigarh Police used water cannons and tear gas shells to stop protesters from moving towards Punjab Lok Bhavan, bringing the long-standing Sikh prisoner release issue back into focus.
The confrontation has renewed debate over Bandi Singhs, remission policies, legal procedures and the balance between prisoner rights, public safety and law-and-order concerns in Punjab.
The tension began when Nihang groups and supporters of the Qaumi Insaaf Morcha started their march towards Chandigarh, seeking the release of Sikh prisoners commonly referred to as Bandi Singhs. The protesters were heading towards Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria's residence at Punjab Lok Bhavan when they encountered heavy security arrangements at the Chandigarh-Mohali border.
During the protest, some demonstrators climbed security barricades, while others attempted to remove them using a tractor to clear the route. As the situation became tense, Chandigarh Police deployed crowd-control measures and used water cannons along with multiple rounds of tear gas shells to disperse the protesters. The police action created a chaotic situation at the spot, with security personnel and demonstrators facing a tense standoff. Authorities later increased security deployment in the area to prevent further escalation.
Several protesters participating in the march said they had gathered to highlight what they described as a long-pending issue related to prisoners who have spent several years behind bars. Sikh organisations supporting the movement have linked the demand with justice and humanitarian concerns, while authorities have maintained that such matters must follow legal procedures.
Ahead of the proposed march, Chandigarh Police implemented extensive security arrangements around Punjab Lok Bhavan and major entry points connecting Chandigarh and Mohali.
A multi-layer security system was put in place with barricades reinforced with barbed wire to restrict movement towards sensitive locations. A large number of Chandigarh Police personnel, along with Rapid Action Force (RAF) teams, were deployed at strategic points.
Anti-riot equipment, including Vajra vehicles, riot-control vehicles and other emergency response resources, were positioned to handle any possible law-and-order situation.
Several border routes between Chandigarh and Mohali were temporarily sealed, while heavy vehicles, including tipper trucks, were stationed at multiple locations as additional security measures.
The security deployment was aimed at preventing protesters from reaching Punjab Lok Bhavan and ensuring public safety in the city.
The march was organised following a call by the Qaumi Insaaf Morcha, which has been demanding the release of Sikh prisoners who, according to the organisation, continue to remain incarcerated despite completing their sentences.
The term Bandi Singhs refers to Sikh prisoners convicted in cases linked to militancy during the Punjab insurgency period of the 1990s. The issue has remained politically and socially sensitive, with Sikh organisations arguing that prisoners who have completed their legal sentences should be considered for release under existing remission provisions.
The Qaumi Insaaf Morcha has particularly raised the cases of Balwant Singh Rajoana and Devinderpal Singh Bhullar. Rajoana is serving a sentence in connection with the 1995 assassination case of former Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh, while Bhullar is serving a sentence related to the 1993 Delhi bomb blast case.
Supporters of the movement argue that legal provisions, humanitarian considerations and government guidelines should be taken into account while reviewing cases of prisoners who have completed long periods of incarceration.
The Qaumi Insaaf Morcha has been carrying out its campaign from Sector 52-53 in Chandigarh and YPS Chowk in Mohali since January 2023, demanding action on the release of Bandi Singhs.
Several Sikh organisations and political groups have extended support to the movement, including Shiromani Akali Dal (Waris Punjab De), SAD (Punar Surjit) and various Nihang organisations.
Ahead of the march, Jagtar Singh Hawara, convicted in connection with the assassination of former Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh, appealed to supporters to maintain peace and avoid any activity that could disturb public order.
The Bandi Singhs issue involves complex legal questions related to criminal justice administration, sentence completion, remission policies and the constitutional powers of governments regarding prisoner release.
Under Indian legal provisions, decisions related to premature release, parole and remission are taken after considering several factors, including the nature of the offence, conduct of prisoners, security concerns and applicable government policies.
While protesters argue that prisoners who have completed their sentences should receive relief under legal provisions, authorities maintain that such decisions require careful examination based on judicial and security considerations.
The Chandigarh administration and police officials continue to monitor the situation following the confrontation. Security deployment around Punjab Lok Bhavan, Chandigarh-Mohali border points and other sensitive locations remains intensified.
The latest protest has once again brought the decades-old Bandi Singhs issue into Punjab's political and social debate. While Sikh organisations continue demanding action on prisoner release, authorities are focusing on legal procedures, security concerns and maintaining peace in the region.
The developments are likely to keep political parties, legal experts and civil society groups engaged over the larger questions of prisoner rights, remission policies and the role of governments in handling sensitive legal matters.
