Following reports of Khalistani leader Amritpal Singh being on the run, the Punjab Police has initiated an extensive search throughout the state to capture the radical preacher. Recently, new information has surfaced suggesting that during his stay in Dubai, Amritpal was in frequent contact with Jaswant Singh Rode, the brother of Lakhbir Singh Rode, a banned Khalistani operative based in Pakistan, as well as with militant Paramjit Singh Pamma.
Government officials have stated that Pakistan's external intelligence agency, ISI, has been orchestrating the return of Amritpal Singh to India with the assistance of Sikh separatists living abroad, in an effort to reignite terrorism in Punjab. Singh, who was employed as a truck driver in Dubai and is believed to be around 30 years old, was reportedly radicalized by Khalistan supporters outside of India.
In the meantime, authorities have heightened security measures across Punjab as they continue their search for the leader of 'Waris Punjab De', a group with alleged sympathies for the Khalistani movement.
On Saturday, reports emerged that Amritpal Singh, who led a protest against the arrest of his associate Lovepreet Toofan, had been detained, although the Punjab Police did not confirm or deny his apprehension. To prevent the spread of rumors and potential tension, internet services in several districts of the state have been suspended until Sunday noon.
The Punjab Police have launched a crackdown on members of Waris Punjab De, resulting in the arrest of 78 people accused of causing communal tension in the state. According to a police statement, the operation has resulted in the recovery of nine weapons, including a .315-bore rifle, seven 12-bore rifles, one revolver, and 373 live cartridges of varying calibers. Waris Punjab De members are allegedly involved in four criminal cases relating to the promotion of disharmony among social groups, attempted murder, assaulting police officers, and obstructing public servants from performing their duties.
Last month, a case was registered against Amritpal Singh and six of his associates following a complaint that a man had been abducted and assaulted by supporters of the Khalistani leader. When Lovepreet Toofan, a close associate of Singh, was arrested, Singh issued a warning to the police to withdraw the case against him. In response, hundreds of Singh's supporters armed with automatic weapons and sharp weapons broke through police barricades and stormed the police complex. While Toofan was eventually released under pressure, the incident resulted in injuries to six police officers. Subsequently, the police informed the court that they would be conducting further investigations into the matter. This incident catapulted Amritpal Singh into the spotlight.
©️ Vygr Media Private Limited 2022. All Rights Reserved.
