Chandigarh police on Saturday (August 15, 2026) used tear gas shells and water cannons to disperse protesters who tried to breach barricades during a march towards Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria's residence, seeking the release of Sikh prisoners, including Jagtar Singh Hawara, who is serving a life sentence for the assassination of then Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh in 1995.Some protesters attempted to remove barricades and barbed wire, and some others tried to pull them down using a tractor as they attempted to proceed towards the residence of the Punjab Governor at the Lok Bhavan in Chandigarh.Police fired several rounds of tear gas and used water cannons to disperse them amid the tense situation. Police also dropped teargas shells on the protesters by deploying a drone.Meanwhile, the Qaumi Insaf Morcha gave a call for 'Punjab Bandh' on August 21 to press for the release of Sikh prisoners and urged people to support the shutdown.Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar) president Simranjit Singh Mann was detained by Chandigarh police when he, along with two more persons, was trying to reach the residence of the Punjab Governor. Mr. Mann, who was seen in bandages on his head, reached near a barricade and then sat down. Later police took him away in a vehicle.Tight security arrangements had been put in place at the Chandigarh-Mohali border to prevent the protesters from reaching the Lok Bhavan. Police erected multi-layer barricades topped with barbed wire and deployed anti-riot vehicles and heavy force, including Rapid Action Force personnel.All border points between Chandigarh and Mohali were sealed, while tipper trucks were also stationed at several points as part of the security arrangements.Director General of Police Sagar Preet Hooda, Deputy Commissioner Nishant Kumar Yadav and Chandigarh Senior Superintendent of Police Kanwardeep Kaur supervised the security situation.Chandigarh SSP Kaur could be seen appealing to the protesters to maintain peace but the protesters were adamant on going towards the residence of the Governor.In a video that surfaced on Friday (August 14), Hawara, who is lodged in a jail in Delhi, appealed to the Sikh community, particularly the youth, to ensure that the march planned by Qaumi Insaf Morcha is conducted in a peaceful manner.SAD (Punar Surjit) leader Parminder Singh Dindsa sought the release of Sikh prisoners.Keeping in mind the sentiments of the entire 'Qaum', Sikh prisoners should be released, said Dhindsa. "Today's gathering reflects the sentiments of people," he further said.