- India,
- 14-Aug-2026 11:44 AM IST
The National Highway 44 (NH 44) in Ambala Cantt, Haryana, turned into a virtual battlefield late at night as a long standing protest escalated into a violent confrontation. For over 6 hours, the highway remained paralyzed due to a blockade organized by members of the Sikh community. When the police force moved in to clear the vital transport artery and restore the flow of traffic, they were met with intense resistance. The situation rapidly deteriorated as miscreants within the crowd launched a sudden and coordinated attack on the security personnel, leading to a chaotic scene involving stone pelting, the use of tear gas, and a subsequent lathi charge by the authorities.
The Escalation and Violent Clash
The confrontation began when the police attempted to persuade the protesters to vacate the highway, which had been blocked for 6 hours, causing significant distress to commuters. However, the situation took a violent turn when individuals in the crowd began hurling stones at the police contingent, while the suddenness of the assault left several officers injured. In response to the escalating violence and to prevent further harm, the police were forced to deploy tear gas shells and resort to a lathi charge to disperse the unruly mob and regain control of the highway. The clash resulted in serious injuries to at least 7 police personnel, including a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP).
Demands of the Protesters
According to the reports from the site, the members of the Sikh community had gathered on NH 44 to voice their protest against Gursimran Singh Mand. The protesters were specifically demanding the immediate arrest of Mand, who serves as the National President of the International Anti Khalistani Terrorist Front. The blockade was intended to pressure the administration into taking action against him, while the 6 hour long disruption had brought the movement of vehicles on one of India's busiest highways to a complete standstill before the police intervention led to the violent breakout.
Details of the Injured Personnel
The violence left a significant mark on the police force, with several officers requiring immediate medical attention. Among the injured is DSP Virendra Sharma, who sustained a serious injury to his thumb. Other personnel who were wounded during the stone pelting and the ensuing melee include Constable Rakshit and Constable Naveen Kumar. Also, Head Constable Sandeep Kumar, Assistant Sub Inspector Satish, and Assistant Sub Inspector Pankaj were also hurt, with reports indicating injuries to their fingers and other parts of their bodies. All the injured officers were promptly evacuated from the scene and admitted to the Military Hospital and the Civil Hospital in Ambala Cantt for treatment.
DGP Ajay Singhal Visits the Wounded
Following the incident, Haryana Director General of Police (DGP) Ajay Singhal personally visited Ambala to assess the situation and meet with the injured personnel. The DGP visited both the Military Hospital and the Civil Hospital in Ambala Cantt to check on the welfare of the brave officers. During his visit, he was accompanied by several high ranking officials, including IG Pankaj Nain, Deputy Commissioner Sachin Gupta, and SDM Kanika Goyal, while the presence of the top brass was intended to boost the morale of the force after the harrowing night on the highway.
Administrative Response and Public Appeal
During his interaction with the medical staff, DGP Ajay Singhal took detailed updates on the treatment being provided to the 7 injured policemen. He issued a stern message, emphasizing that the Haryana Police stands firmly with its personnel who put their lives on the line to maintain order. The DGP reiterated that maintaining law and order remains the highest priority for the state administration, while he made a public appeal, urging citizens to express their grievances through peaceful and legal channels rather than taking the law into their own hands or causing public inconvenience by blocking major highways like NH 44.
