On January 8, 2025, members of the Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar) were detained by Chandigarh Police during an attempt to stage a protest outside the Punjab Chief Minister’s residence. The protest was organized to demand the immediate release of Sikh prisoners, a contentious issue in the state of Punjab. As the protestors gathered and began to march toward the residence, police intervened and detained several leaders of the political party, citing the need to maintain public order.
This incident reflects the deepening political divide over the issue of Sikh prisoners, with the SAD (A) and other groups calling for their release. The government’s response, through police action, has sparked further debates about civil rights and the role of law enforcement in handling political dissent. The detentions are likely to fuel further protests and political unrest in the coming days.