The Qaumi Insaaf Morcha marked three years of its ongoing sit-in protest at Yadavindra Public School (YPS) Chowk on the Chandigarh-Mohali border on January 7, 2026. The agitation, which began on January 7, 2023, has transformed the busy intersection into a semi-permanent protest site, resulting in a partial blockade that continues to disrupt traffic flow between Chandigarh and Mohali. Morcha leaders emphasized that the demonstration has remained peaceful throughout the period, with no major clashes or confrontations reported on the anniversary day.

Led by activists demanding the release of Sikh prisoners who have reportedly completed their jail terms, the morcha also seeks a thorough investigation into the 2015 sacrilege incidents and the subsequent police firing at Kotkapura and Behbal Kalan in Punjab. Over the three years, the protest has drawn significant attention while causing daily inconvenience to thousands of commuters. Leaders announced plans for the next phase of agitation, including "free toll plaza" protests on January 12, during which toll collection will be halted for three hours at multiple plazas, and the observation of January 26 as a "black day."

The prolonged nature of the sit-in has faced legal challenges. An NGO approached the Punjab and Haryana High Court citing harassment to residents and commuters, prompting the court on April 9, 2024, to direct authorities to clear the road. The high court criticized the Punjab government and Chandigarh administration for failing to resolve commuter grievances and remarked on the use of religious symbols at the site. However, in May 2024, the Supreme Court stayed the high court's order following petitions from both the Punjab government and the Qaumi Insaaf Morcha. The apex court has since agreed to hear the matter, which remains pending adjudication.

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Despite last year's anniversary seeing minor clashes and police bookings, this year's commemoration concluded without incident. Morcha representatives reiterated their commitment to continue the peaceful sit-in until their core demands are met. The ongoing protest highlights persistent tensions over Sikh political prisoners, historical grievances, and the balance between the right to demonstrate and public convenience in the tricity region.

As the matter awaits final resolution in the Supreme Court, the partial blockade at YPS Chowk persists, serving as a visible reminder of the unresolved issues. Commuters continue to navigate the affected stretch with disruptions, while the morcha vows to intensify its campaign through planned actions in the coming weeks. The situation underscores the complex interplay of justice demands, public order, and judicial oversight in Punjab's socio-political landscape.

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