Chandigarh: Qaumi Insaaf Morcha March to Governor House; Simranjit Mann Detained

August 15, 2026

Chandigarh: The Qaumi Insaaf Morcha is marching towards the Governor House in Chandigarh on Saturday to demand the release of imprisoned Sikh prisoners and parole for Jagtar Singh Hawara.

Members of the Morcha gathered near YPS Chowk in Mohali ahead of the planned march. The route towards Chandigarh has not been finalised, while police have stepped up security and erected barricades on routes connecting Mohali with Chandigarh.

Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar) president Simranjit Singh Mann was detained by the Chandigarh Police after he reached near the Governor House. Mann was seen with a bandage on his head at the time of his detention.

Heavy Security Deployed Ahead of Morcha March

Anticipating that protesters could move towards Chandigarh, additional police forces have been deployed at key entry points and routes from Mohali. The security arrangements have also affected traffic movement in parts of the area.

Police used drone-mounted speakers to appeal to people to maintain peace and avoid any untoward incident. The administration also said it was ready to hold talks with representatives of the protesters.

Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) is in force in the area, and police are closely monitoring the situation.

Hawara Appeals for Peaceful Protest

A video message of jailed former Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh assassination convict Jagtar Singh Hawara surfaced ahead of the planned march. Hawara appealed to supporters to ensure that the August 15 protest remained peaceful.

He urged people to remain alert against any attempt by miscreants to create disorder and called upon the youth to volunteer and help maintain peace during the event.

The Morcha’s demands include the release of imprisoned Sikh prisoners and parole for Hawara, who is serving a life sentence in the case relating to the assassination of former Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh.

Punjab Government Recommends Hawara’s Parole

Hawara has sought parole to visit his ailing mother. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has recommended 10-day parole for him to the Governor, who subsequently forwarded the recommendation to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs.

According to government sources, Hawara had earlier declined a one-day parole offer. A decision on the latest request is awaited.

The Qaumi Insaaf Morcha’s proposed march comes amid heightened security in Chandigarh and Mohali, with authorities urging protesters to maintain peace and cooperate with the administration.