A clash occurred in Ambala, Haryana, resulting in injuries to at least six police personnel. The confrontation arose when police attempted to disperse a group of Sikh protesters who were blocking the Delhi-Ambala national highway near Gurdwara Panjokhra Sahib. The situation escalated as authorities intervened to clear the roadway, which had been obstructed by the demonstrators.
DGP Singhal visited the Military Hospital and Civil Hospital in Ambala to meet police personnel injured while clearing the highway blockade in Ambala Cantt. He enquired about their condition, spoke to doctors regarding their treatment and wished the injured officers a speedy recovery. The police had reached the spot to clear the blockade and restore traffic movement on the highway. A DSP suffered a cut on his knee, while three or four other personnel sustained head injuries. Ambala SP Ajit Singh Shekhawat alleged that some police personnel were attacked with a ‘farsa’ (battle-axe). He alleged that some people in the crowd were armed with spears, battle-axes, swords and axes. Shekhawat also alleged that protesters snatched the keys from the driver of a gas tanker stuck in the jam. Police had repeatedly urged them to allow the tanker to pass to prevent a possible accident, but the driver’s keys were allegedly taken and the driver intimidated into leaving the spot.
Around 1,500-1,600 protesters had gathered at the site, demanding the arrest of Gursimran Singh Mand, National President of the International Anti-Khalistani Terrorist Front, according to Haryana Director General of Police (DGP) Ajay Singhal.
He said the police then had to resort to a lathi-charge to clear the road, during which several personnel were injured. Those with minor injuries were given first aid and discharged, while four or five personnel remained hospitalised, he said. He said some miscreants had entered the crowd and police were working to identify them. Shekhawat said the police made several attempts to clear the highway after holding multiple rounds of talks with the protesters.
