Mohali: traffic disruption attempt at YPS Chowk sparks High Court warning on Central Force deployment

A day after one side of the road at YPS Chowk was reopened for traffic, a group of youngsters attempted to disrupt traffic on Tuesday morning. They staged a sit-in protest near the chowk where members of the Qaumi Insaaf Morcha have been demonstrating since January 7. Some protesters even tried to stop buses, but the police intervened and detained them.

The road at YPS Chowk had been reopened on Monday following several rounds of negotiations with the protesters, who have been demanding the release of Sikh prisoners. Additionally, the high court had issued warnings regarding the disruptions caused by the ongoing protests.

Disputes over road opening

During a court hearing on Tuesday, the Punjab government stated that one side of the road connecting Chandigarh and Mohali had been reopened for traffic, with plans to clear the other side soon. However, lawyers representing the petitioner, Arrive Safe Society, which seeks the removal of protesters, contested these claims, arguing that disruptions were still occurring.

ALSO READ: Punjab introduces Culpable Homicide charges for drug suppliers in overdose deaths

In response, the court directed the petitioner to submit an affidavit on the matter and criticized the Punjab government for its inability to remove the protesters. At one point, the court even suggested the possibility of deploying Central forces if the government failed to act.

Upcoming court proceeding

The court decided to adjourn the case until October 9. Over the course of several hearings since the petition was filed on March 10, the court has consistently reprimanded the government for its lack of action, culminating in a final warning on August 17.

ALSO READ: Punjab's efforts to curb stubble burning: Challenges and progress

Despite the challenges, members of the Qaumi Insaaf Morcha's coordination committee held a press conference in the evening and reaffirmed their commitment to continue the protest until their demands are met. On Monday, the Qaumi Insaaf Morcha experienced a split when Gurcharan Singh, the foster father of terrorist Jagtar Singh Hawara, claimed that opening one side of the road for traffic was not part of the original agreement. Conversely, another faction, led by advocate Amar Singh Chahal and Dilsher Singh, maintained that all committee members had agreed to this arrangement. However, during the press conference on Tuesday, they clarified that all committee members were united in their stance, with no differences of opinion among them.