Police Personnel Injured in Clash on Delhi-Amritsar Highway in Ambala
Around half-a-dozen police personnel, including a Deputy Superintendent of Police rank officer, sustained serious injuries during a clash with protesters on the Delhi-Amritsar National Highway in Ambala late on Thursday evening. The confrontation broke out near Gurudwara Panjokhra Sahib as police personnel moved to disperse the crowd and restore vehicular movement on the blocked route.
The demonstrators had assembled to seek action against Gursimran Singh Mand, the national president of the International Anti-Khalistani Terrorist Front, over allegations that he had recently attempted to run over several people with his vehicle. According to Haryana Director General of Police Ajay Singhal, around 1,500 to 1,600 people had gathered at Gurudwara Panjokhra Sahib demanding action in connection with an FIR registered against Mr. Mand.
DGP Singhal stated that police engaged in discussions with the demonstrators and that their demand had been accepted. However, the situation escalated when sections of the crowd blocked the national highway for hours, causing major inconvenience to commuters. When stone pelting began at the site, police resorted to tear gas and a lathicharge to clear the blockade.
Ambala Superintendent of Police Ajit Singh Shekhawat said police were forced to use force after personnel came under targeted attack from individuals armed with weapons. According to Mr. Shekhawat, certain elements among the crowd carried spears, swords, and axes, and attacked security personnel after dark.
The SP also stated that protesters took control of vehicles trapped in the traffic jam to maintain the blockade. Protesters snatched keys from trucks and a gas tanker, refusing repeated requests by police to release the tanker to prevent potential accidents.
During the violence, five to six police personnel were injured, including a DSP whose thumb was almost severed. The injured personnel were taken to the Military Hospital and Civil Hospital for medical treatment. Officials confirmed that the highway has been cleared and that strict legal action will be taken against those involved.
