Protest erupts against anti-Khalistan activist Gursimran Singh Mand in Ambala: Know what happened

Six police personnel including a DSP injured during clashes with Sikh protesters in Ambala.
Police trying to disperse Sikh protesters in Ambala (Image via The Indian Express)

Tensions flared in Ambala district of Haryana on Thursday (13th August) as police had to use tear gas and lathicharge to restore traffic movement on the Delhi-Amritsar National Highway, which was blocked by Sikh protesters demanding action against Gursimran Singh Mand, national president of the International Anti-Khalistani Terrorist Front. The protesters clashed with the police, leaving 6 police personnel, including a DSP, injured.

The injured police personnel included DSP Virender Sharma, Constables Rakshit and Naveen Kumar, Head Constable Sandeep Kumar, and Assistant Sub-Inspectors Satish and Pankaj. Ambala SP Ajit Singh Shekhawat said that some protestors attacked DSP Virender Sharma with a sharp-edged weapon, inflicting injuries to his hand.

After this, the police resorted to a mild lathicharge to clear the highway. SP Shekhawat said that the protestors mounted a “murderous attack” on the DSP and several other policemen. “We will lodge an FIR after identifying them,” the SP stated.

The SP said that the protestors were carrying spears, battle-axes, swords and other sharp weapons. He added that the protestors snatched the keys of several trucks and vehicles to prevent the blockade from clearing. The protestors snatched the key of a gas tanker, despite the police warning of possible action and attacked the police personnel, who tried to clear the blockade.

“We repeatedly requested them to allow the tanker to be shifted from the spot so that no accident takes place. But some mischievous elements ran away from the spot after snatching the tanker’s key,” he said.

According to Haryana DGP Ajay Singhal, around 1500 to 1600 people gathered at the Panjokhra Sahib Gurdwara before blocking the Delhi-bound stretch of the Panipat-Jalandhar and Chandigarh routes near Jaggi City Centre around 3 pm.

The protesters were demanding the release of two men, Harvinder Singh and Anmol Singh, who were arrested following a confrontation with Mand near Panjokhra Sahib Gurdwara, located on the Ambala-Naraingarh Road in Panjokhra, Haryana, on 7th August. They also demanded legal action against Mand.

Speaking to ANI, injured Constable Naveen Kumar said, “… they launched an unprovoked attack on the police personnel. Many officers were injured. Ten to twelve of our personnel sustained serious injuries. Our DSP was targeted, and I was attacked as well. The protesters were armed with various weapons, including spears, swords, and sticks. After a great deal of effort, the police managed to clear the highway blockade…”

The police registered an FIR against Mand and Bhavjot on a complaint by Surinder Singh, who was injured during the August 7 confrontation. The FIR was registered at Panjokhra Sahib police station under sections 109(1) (attempt to murder), 125(a) (act endangering life or personal safety), 281 (rash driving) and 61 (criminal conspiracy) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

What was the incident?

The protests are linked to an incident that happened near the Panjokhra Sahib Gurdwara during Gurpurab celebrations. The protestors from the Sikh community alleged that Gursimran Singh Mand tried to run his car over devotees present at the Gurudwara. A confrontation followed between Mand and the people from the Sikh community present there. Mand was also accused of violating the protocol of the Gurudwara.

Mand, along with two security personnel, was reportedly injured in the assault. In the aftermath of the attack, the police arrested the two persons. They were produced before a court on Wednesday and sent to judicial custody.

Notably, Mand has been vocal in campaigns against Khalistani separatism. He has previously been involved in several public confrontations and protests over alleged pro-Khalistan activities.

In August 2023, several activists led by Ludhiana’s Gursimran Singh Mand attempted to raise the Indian Tricolour at a house owned by Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannu in Sector 15, Chandigarh. With the Tricolour in their hands, the National President of the International Anti-Khalistani Front, Gursimran Singh Mand and his supporters had raised anti-Khalistan and anti-Pannu slogans.

Written by Aditi
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