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Chandigarh: Tear gas shells fired as police halt SKM march to governor's residence; 20 detained
Police used water cannons and tear gas at the Mohali-Chandigarh border to stop a Samyukt Kisan Morcha march toward the Punjab governor’s residence. Two officers were injured and around 20 protesters detained; SSP Kanwardeep Kaur later met the demonstrators, who agreed to hand over a memorandum.
Why It Matters
The incident highlights ongoing farmer protests over cooperative policies and river-water governance, illustrating tensions between protestors and authorities near Punjab's capital region and the handling of civil demonstrations.
Timeline
5 Events
SKM to hold meeting on May 21 to decide next course of action
May 16, 2026
The SKM announced it would hold a meeting on May 21 to decide its next course of action.
SKM statement claims 24 farmers detained
May 16, 2026
The Samyukt Kisan Morcha issued a statement claiming that 24 farmers had been detained.
SSP Kanwardeep Kaur meets protesters; memorandum handover agreed
May 15, 2026
Senior Superintendent of Police Kanwardeep Kaur met the protesters after which they agreed to hand over a copy of their memorandum to an official for submission to the governor.
Police deploy water cannons and tear gas at the Mohali-Chandigarh border to stop entry into UT
May 15, 2026
As protesters attempted to enter the union territory around noon, security forces used water cannons and tear gas shells to disperse the crowd. Tractors were allegedly used to breach barricades; two police personnel were injured and about 20 farmers detained.
Farmers assemble at Nature Park in Mohali before marching toward governor’s residence
May 15, 2026
A few farmers and SKM protesters gathered at Nature Park opposite Yadavindra Public School in Mohali and prepared to begin their march toward the Punjab governor’s residence. UT Police had blocked roads in front of YPS Chowk and the Sector 51 Burail Jail road up to Vikas Marg to prevent the march.