JALANDHAR, India: Tensions flared in India’s Punjab state as residents staged protests against harassment and heavy-handed treatment by Indian Army personnel.
Demonstrators gathered in large numbers, raising slogans against the Indian Army and demanding accountability over incidents involving local civilians, according to local media reports.
Protesters accused the Indian Army and police personnel of creating an atmosphere of fear through frequent checks and aggressive enforcement measures.
The protest saw participation from community leaders, traders, farmers, and local residents, who voiced their dissatisfaction and concerns over excessive security measures.
The demonstrations reflected growing frustration among sections of the local population, with community representatives calling for an impartial investigation into the allegations and concrete steps to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Jalandar, Indian held Punjab, the Sikh of Jalandar have started protests against Indian army cause Indian army has started disrupting civilian life in the state. pic.twitter.com/nl2p6AqP1H
— Irves (@Irves_Watch) June 10, 2026
In one of the major demonstrations, shopkeepers and local residents organised a market shutdown in Jalandhar Cantonment and staged protests against the frequent checkpoints established by Army and Police personnel in the area.
Protesters argued that the repeated security checks were discouraging customers, disrupting daily life, and causing significant financial losses to local businesses.
Several protesters also expressed concerns about restrictions on movement and the inconvenience caused to commuters, students, and daily wage earners. They urged authorities to review security arrangements and adopt measures that balance security requirements with the needs of local communities.
🚨This photograph is from Jalandhar, Punjab, where locals are reportedly protesting against alleged harassment by the Indian Army. Despite the significance of these demonstrations, there appears to be little to no coverage from major Indian media outlets or even many Punjab-based… pic.twitter.com/I8F2TtFmi5
— Awaaz-E-Qaum (@awaazeqaum) June 10, 2026
Meanwhile, residents and members of farmer unions staged a protest outside the Mehatpur police station following the death of a 22-year-old man during a police raid.
Demonstrators demanded accountability and a transparent investigation into the incident, alleging that authorities had failed to adequately explain the circumstances surrounding the death.
The protest was later called off after police officials assured the demonstrators of an impartial inquiry, financial compensation for the bereaved family, and the withdrawal of an FIR registered against the victim’s relatives.
Farmer union leaders said they would continue to monitor the investigation and press for justice if their concerns were not addressed.
The incidents have reignited debate over the conduct of security forces in India’s Punjab, with civil society groups and local activists calling for greater transparency and accountability. Political observers note that such protests highlight longstanding grievances among some communities regarding security operations and their impact on everyday life.
Earlier, Sikh separatist activists also staged a protest outside the Indian High Commission in London, United Kingdom. Demonstrators chanted slogans against the Indian government and the Army while expressing support for Sikh political causes.
