Police use water cannon on protesters demanding Amritpal Singh’s release

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Chandigarh, July 29

The Chandigarh Police on Wednesday used water cannons to disperse leaders and workers of Akali Dal Waris Punjab De during a protest demanding the release of MP Amritpal Singh and other Sikh leaders. The demonstration led to a tense standoff as protesters attempted to press their demands before security forces intervened.

Traffic movement across several parts of Chandigarh remained heavily affected on Wednesday due to a rally organised by members of ‘Waris Punjab De’. Rally participants assembled at Amb Sahib Gurdwara in Mohali before proceeding via Jail Road to Gaushala Chowk (Sector 45/50-51), where they addressed a gathering. Although the traffic advisory came into effect from 09:30 a.m., congestion was visible from morning itself, causing inconvenience to office-goers, school and college students, and daily commuters. Inter-state buses heading towards ISBT Sector 43 were also diverted to alternate routes to minimise congestion.

According to the traffic advisory, diversions were implemented from the UT–Mohali Border (behind Burail Jail) towards Sector 50/51 Chowk, continuing through Sector 44/45–50/51 Chowk (Gaushala Chowk) to Sarovar Path (Sector 44/45 Light Point). Restrictions were also imposed on the route from ISBT Chowk (Sector 43/44/51/52) towards Gaushala Chowk and Sector 45/46–49/50 Chowk, including the Sector 43/44 Light Point. Heavy traffic was witnessed at Gaushala Chowk, Sector 50/51 Chowk, Sector 45/46–49/50 Chowk, ISBT Chowk, the UT–Mohali Border, Jail Road, and Sarovar Path.

The impact of the protest continued well into the afternoon, with commuters reporting significant delays due to route diversions. Journeys that normally took 10–15 minutes stretched to one to two hours in several areas. Traffic congestion was also witnessed in and around Sectors 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 33, 34, and 35, as motorists opted for alternate routes to avoid the protest-affected roads. Authorities advised commuters to plan their travel in advance and use alternative routes, warning that failure to do so could result in prolonged traffic delays.