Qaumi Insaaf Morcha marks 3 years of protest at Mohali’s YPS Chowk

Qaumi Insaaf Morcha Marks Three Years of Protest

The Qaumi Insaaf Morcha completed three years of its sit-in protest at Yadavindra Public School (YPS) Chowk on the Chandigarh–Mohali border on Wednesday. The protest has kept the stretch partially blocked, causing inconvenience to commuters. It began on January 7, 2021, and has remained largely peaceful. The issue of removing protesters is still pending before the Supreme Court.

Impact on Traffic and Future Plans

Over the past three years, the agitation has made YPS Chowk a permanent protest site, affecting traffic between Chandigarh and Mohali. Morcha leaders stated that the protest continued without clashes. Pal Singh, one of the leaders, announced that on January 12, protesters would hold “free toll plaza” protests. During this event, toll collection would be stopped for three hours at over a dozen toll plazas. January 26 will be observed as a “black day.”

Previous Clashes and Current Status

Last year, some protesters were booked after minor clashes with the police. However, this year’s program concluded peacefully. The morcha reiterated that it would continue its sit-in until its demands are met.

Demands and Legal Proceedings

The morcha demands the release of Sikh prisoners who have completed their jail terms. They also seek a probe into sacrilege cases and police actions at Kotkapura and Behbal Kalan. The legality of the protest reached the courts after an NGO approached the Punjab and Haryana High Court. The NGO cited harassment of residents and commuters.

Court Orders and Supreme Court Stay

On April 9, 2024, the High Court directed authorities to clear the road. The court noted that the Punjab government and Chandigarh administration had not addressed commuters’ grievances. It also made remarks on the use of religious symbols at the protest site. However, in May 2024, the Supreme Court stayed the High Court’s order after petitions from the Punjab government and the Qaumi Insaaf Morcha. The Supreme Court has agreed to hear pleas challenging the directions to remove the protesters, and the matter is still pending.