Amritpal Singh issue: Sohana chowk blockade continues in Mohali

Mohali, March 19

For the second day running, the movement of vehicles was obstructed at the Sohana chowk due to the sit-in by sympathisers of pro-Khalistan activist Amritpal Singh today. Barricades were put up around the protest site last evening.

The protesters have blocked the Airport Road at the chowk. The Landran road, alongside Gurdwara Singh Shaheedan, has been blocked by putting cement slabs and barricades. The police have put up barricades near the Kumbhra light point and the Radha Soami chowk to divert the traffic to the Lakhnaur village road.

Commuters can take these alternative routes

• Commuters from Kharar side can take Lakhnaur village road and join the Airport Road via the Jail road (Sector 68-69)
• Commuters going from the airport side to Kharar can take the road separating Sector 78 and 79

Meanwhile, protesters, armed with swords, sticks, spears and other traditional weapons, refused to call off the sit-in till the government gave an update about Amritpal Singh who is on the run.

Local residents were a harassed lot as they were forced to take long routes to reach their destinations.

The protesters took out a march from the Sohana chowk to a ground near Hero Homes in Sector 88 where gatka experts showcased their skills. Later, they returned to the protest site.

The police conducted a flag march in parts of Mohali in the afternoon. Sources said the police were identifying the persons responsible for the protest. Rapid Action Force and additional forces remained deployed in the area.

The rest of Mohali remained peaceful with business going as usual. Being Sunday, there was low traffic on the city roads.

“Flag marches are being conducted to instil a sense of security in the public. We are continuously working against all anti-social elements. I appeal to the public to not pay heed to rumours,” said IG Gurpreet Singh Bhullar.

PU ‘Jhankar’ postponed

Chandigarh: Panjab University authorities have decided to postpone cultural fest ‘Jhankar’, which is organised by the the Panjab University Campus Students’ Council (PUCSC). The annual fest, scheduled to be held from March 20 to 22, has been postponed citing high alert and security reasons in Punjab. This year, more than 50 colleges and universities from across the nation were expected to take part in the event. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann was likely to attend the event. tns