Youth detained for raising pro-Pakistan slogans at Chandigarh protest against Pahalgam attack

The police have detained a youth for allegedly raising pro-Pakistan slogans during a protest against the Pahalgam terror attack.

Around 800 local residents had gathered at the Sector 17 Plaza to demand justice for the victims of the terror attack. The public protest remained peaceful until the youth entered the gathering and began raising slogans perceived by the protesters as “pro-Pakistan”.

According to the eyewitnesses, the youth objected to the crowd’s narrative, saying, “Pakistan is a sovereign state, and not everyone from there is a terrorist.”

According to a complaint submitted to the Sector 17 station house officer (SHO), the youth also made other controversial remarks that allegedly hurt the sentiments of the protestors.

Sensing rising tensions and a possible escalation, police officers on duty intervened and detained the youth to prevent further unrest. He was later let off after thorough questioning by police officials.

The complaint and attendee, Satinder Singh, a resident of Sector 28, expressed concern over the youth’s actions, emphasising the sensitivity of the situation and the emotional state of the crowd.

Protesters insisted that while freedom of speech was vital, such remarks at a highly emotional and charged event were inappropriate and provocative. Singh reported the incident to Neelam Theatre Police Post in-charge.

Chandigarh