Six police personnel injured as protest turns violent in Ambala; National Highway cleared after lathicharge

Around half-a-dozen police personnel, including a Deputy Superintendent of Police rank officer, sustained serious injuries in a clash with the Sikh protestors late on Thursday (August 13, 2026) evening in Ambala in a bid to restore traffic on Delhi-Amritsar National Highway.

The protestors were seeking action against Gursimran Singh Mand, national president of the International Anti-Khalistani Terrorist Front for allegedly trying to run over some people with his car recently. The police resorted to tear gas and lathicharge after the protestors allegedly blocked the traffic for hours near Gurudwara Panjokhra Sahib.

Haryana DGP Ajay Singhal said police had to resort to lathicharge after a protest turned violent and led to stone pelting on the highway in Ambala. Speaking to reporters, Mr. Singhal said around 1,500-1,600 people had gathered at Gurudwara Panjokhra Sahib demanding action on an FIR registered against Mr. Mandh. “Police were in talks with the protestors,” he said. According to the DGP, the situation escalated when some people blocked the highway. “We exercised restraint and tried to negotiate. Their demand was also accepted,” he said.

He added that when the jam caused problems for commuters, stone pelting began. “To open the highway, Haryana Police had to resort to lathicharge,” Mr. Singhal said. He also visited the Military Hospital and Civil Hospital to meet the police personnel injured.

Ambala Superintendent of Police, Ajit Singh Shekhawat, said police were forced to use “some force” to clear a highway after a protest turned violent, with personnel coming under attack by “mischievous elements” carrying weapons.

According to Mr. Shekhawat, protestors deliberately prolonged the sit-in and blocked the highway. The situation escalated after sunset. “As it got dark, some mischievous elements in the crowd who were carrying spears, swords and axes started attacking police personnel,” he said. The SP alleged that protestors also took control of vehicles stuck in the jam to ensure the blockade continued. “They snatched keys of trucks and a gas tanker. We repeatedly requested them to let the gas tanker go so that there is no accident, but they did not listen,” Mr. Shekhawat said.

Citing injuries to police, he said force had to be used to restore traffic. “An attack happened on us. A DSP’s thumb is almost severed. Five-six of our personnel have been injured and have been admitted to hospital for treatment,” he said. Mr. Shekhawat said the highway has now been cleared and the situation is being monitored. “All those involved will be identified and strict legal action will be taken. This is still a developing law and order situation,” the SP added.