Waris Punjab De marches for Amritpal Singh’s release, clashes with cops

A protest march by thousands of Akali Dal (Waris Punjab De) leaders, workers and supporters demanding the release of Khadoor Sahib MP Amritpal Singh ended in a clash with police at the Chandigarh-Mohali border on Wednesday after protesters attempted to breach barricades and security personnel used water cannons to stop them. The protesters were also demanding the release of other Sikh detainees and the withdrawal of the National Security Act (NSA) against Amritpal Singh.

The demonstrators, joined by members of other Sikh organisations, attempted to march towards the residences of Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria and Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. Heavy police deployment was made at the Chandigarh-Mohali border near Burail Jail, where barricades were erected to prevent the march from entering the city.

#WATCH | Chandigarh: An Akali Dal Waris Punjab De worker climbs over a water cannon vehicle during their protest demanding the release of its MP Amritpal Singh and other Sikh leaders. pic.twitter.com/GdetjHx5VA

— ANI (@ANI) July 29, 2026

The protesters raised slogans demanding the release of Amritpal Singh and other Sikh detainees. Police used water cannons after some protesters attempted to breach the barricades. Dramatic scenes unfolded when a protester climbed atop a water cannon vehicle during the standoff. Demonstrators also broke through barricades and redirected the water cannon nozzle. The situation remained tense as security personnel monitored the crowd and tried to maintain order.

The Chandigarh Traffic Police had announced diversions and restrictions from 9.30 am on roads likely to be affected by the march. Interstate buses were also advised to take alternate routes. Earlier in the day, Waris Punjab De leader and Dakha MLA Manpreet Singh Ayali appealed for a peaceful protest to press for the release of jailed Sikh leaders and prisoners who have completed their sentences.

Waris Punjab De’s march demanding Amritpal Singh’s release. Express photo by Jasbir Malhi

Amritpal Singh in jail since 2023

Amritpal Singh is lodged in Assam’s Dibrugarh Jail after being detained under the NSA following his arrest on April 23, 2023. He had been living in Dubai before returning to Punjab in 2022 following the death of Punjabi actor Deep Sidhu. After his return, he took over the leadership of Deep Sidhu’s pro-Khalistan organisation, Waris Punjab De.

Amritpal was arrested after he and his supporters stormed the Ajnala police station near Amritsar on February 23, 2023, and clashed with police in an attempt to secure the release of one of his aides, who had been detained for allegedly making inflammatory pro-Khalistan statements. His detention under the NSA has since been extended twice, first in April 2024 and again in April 2025.