Amritpal Singh Protest: Thousands March Towards CM Residence Amid Heavy Security

Tension intensified along the Chandigarh-Mohali border on Wednesday after a supporter associated with the 'Waris Punjab De' organisation and the Akali Dal climbed onto a police water cannon vehicle during efforts by security personnel to stop a protest march entering the city. The incident occurred as thousands of protesters demanded the immediate release of Khadoor Sahib MP Amritpal Singh and other Sikh prisoners lodged in various jails across the country. As demonstrators attempted to enter Chandigarh and proceed towards the Punjab Chief Minister's official residence, a prolonged standoff developed between protesters and police, prompting security forces to remain on high alert across the border area. Despite multiple barricades, members of the 'Waris Punjab De' organisation entered Chandigarh and continued moving towards Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann's residence. In response, Chandigarh Police significantly strengthened security arrangements and erected additional barricades around the Chief Minister's residence to prevent any breach of security. During the operation, police detained Sandeep Kaur, wife of Member of Parliament Sarabjit Singh, along with four to five supporters near the Chief Minister's residence. According to available information, those taken into custody were later transported and released at the designated protest site near Heera Chowk. Earlier in the day, leaders, workers and supporters of 'Waris Punjab De' launched a large-scale peaceful march in Chandigarh, demanding the immediate release of Amritpal Singh and other Sikh prisoners. Thousands of demonstrators from Mullanpur Dakha and several other parts of Punjab assembled at Gurdwara Amb Sahib in Mohali before beginning their march towards the Chief Minister's residence. Chandigarh Traffic Police Issues Advisory In view of the protest march from Gurdwara Amb Sahib, Mohali, to the Punjab Chief Minister's residence, Chandigarh Traffic Police issued a special traffic advisory for commuters and motorists. Traffic restrictions and diversions were enforced from 9:30 a.m. onward on key routes connecting Chandigarh and Mohali, including areas surrounding the Sector 43 Inter-State Bus Terminus (ISBT-43). According to the advisory, vehicular movement was either closed or diverted from the UT-Mohali border (behind Burail Jail) to the Sector 50/51 intersection, and further along Sarovar Path up to the Sector 44/45–50/51 (Gaushala Chowk) and the Sector 44/45 light point. Similar diversions were implemented on Vikas Marg, covering the stretch from the Sector 43/44/51/52 (ISBT Chowk) to Gaushala Chowk, as well as roads leading towards the Sector 45-46/49-50 intersection. Restrictions were also imposed at the Sector 43/44 and Sector 45/46 traffic light points. To minimize congestion, buses travelling to ISBT-43 were instructed to use alternative routes. Chandigarh Police appealed to the public to avoid affected roads, opt for alternate routes, and follow updates through the Chandigarh Traffic Police's official social media platforms.