Patiala protest march demands release of Sikh prisoners and stronger religious protection laws
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Patiala: A big crowd of demonstrators marched through this Punjab city on Monday, demanding the release of Sikh prisoners who have completed their jail terms and calling for tougher laws against the desecration of religious scriptures.
The protest, led by the Quami Insaaf Morcha and supported by a broad coalition of social, political, religious, and community organisations, began at PUDA Ground and ended at the deputy commissioner's office. Protesters raised slogans against both the Punjab and central govts along with burning effigies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and chief minister Bhagwant Mann, accusing them of inaction on long-standing religious and human rights concerns.
In a media briefing during the event, Quami Insaaf Morcha patron Gurcharan Singh Hawara said the protest was part of a sustained campaign that has included a permanent sit-in at the Mohali-Chandigarh border for more than two-years-and-a-half. "Our demands are simple but long-ignored," Hawara said. "Release those who have served their time, implement strict laws against sacrilege — especially of Guru Granth Sahib — and hold those accountable for incidents like the Behbal Kalan police firing.
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Community leaders who addressed the rally at PUDA Ground included Mahinder Pal Singh, Sukhbir Singh Balwera, Harbhajan Singh Butter, and Bibi Charanjit Kaur. Speakers called for unity and urged the public to turn out in large numbers for a major rally scheduled for Aug 15 at the Mohali-Chandigarh border, describing it as a critical juncture in their struggle. The march concluded peacefully. In his closing remarks, Hawara thanked all participating groups and reaffirmed the "Morcha's commitment to non-violent, democratic action".
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