Archive · 19 Aug 2026
Haryana Government Reaches Understanding With Sikh Representatives After Lathicharge Backlash
The Haryana government met with Sikh leaders after police used a lathicharge during a protest in Ambala.
The Sikh representatives wanted action over the incident and the withdrawal of cases against protesters.
Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini held talks with them.
Jagdish Singh Jhinda said the meeting was successful.
He said arrested protesters would be released before August 23.
He also said the FIRs against protesters would be cancelled.
Because of these promises, Sikh organisations cancelled their planned August 25 protest.
The government asked people not to believe rumours, while the final test will be whether the promises are carried out.
Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini met Sikh representatives over issues concerning Panjokhra Sahib.
Sikh representatives said the government agreed to their demands and promised assistance.
Arrested protesters are expected to be released before August 23, according to Jagdish Singh Jhinda.
The government will begin cancellation procedures for FIRs registered against protesters.
Sikh organisations called off their planned August 25 protest following the assurances.
- Who
- Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, Jagdish Singh Jhinda, and representatives of Sikh and farm organisations.
- What
- The Haryana government reached an understanding involving the release of arrested protesters, cancellation of FIRs, and other assurances.
- When
- The meeting took place days after the August 7 lathicharge; protesters were promised release before August 23, and the August 25 protest was called off.
- Where
- The discussions concerned Panjokhra Sahib in Ambala, Haryana.
- Why
- The talks followed anger over the police action against Sikh protesters and demands for accountability and withdrawal of cases.
Sikh Representatives
Haryana Government
Response to the lathicharge
Sikh Representatives
Sikh organisations demanded action against those responsible for the August 7 police action and withdrawal of cases against protesters.
Haryana Government
The government offered assurances on arrests, FIRs, and legal proceedings, while seeking to resolve the dispute through dialogue.
Next steps
Sikh Representatives
Sikh representatives said a prayer would be held at Gurdwara Panjokhra Sahib after the assurances are fulfilled, followed by an honour for the chief minister.
Haryana Government
The government appealed to Sikh organisations and the sangat to avoid rumours and work in the interest of the state.
- Chief minister
- Nayab Singh Saini
- Sikh delegation leader
- Jagdish Singh Jhinda
- Incident date
- August 7
- Release deadline
- Before August 23
- Cancelled protest
- Planned for August 25
- Legal action
- Police will begin the process of filing cancellation reports for FIRs against protesters
- Additional assurance
- Gursimran Singh Mand agreed to send a letter of apology