Pro-Khalistan leader and heir Punjab D chief Amritpal Singh. file. , Photo Credit: ANI
Amritpal Singh Pro-Khalistan campaigner and chief of Waris Punjab De (WPD) organisation, who is facing charges under the National Security Act (NSA), was arrested by the Punjab Police from Moga on April 23. Amritpal’s arrest took place after a month. police launched massive crackdown Against him and his outfit.
Punjab Police in a tweet from its official handle on Sunday said, “Amritpal Singh has been arrested in Moga, Punjab.” Police urged citizens to maintain peace and harmony, do not share any fake news and always verify and share.
Sources said that Amritpal may be taken to Dibrugarh Central Jail in Assam. So far Amritpal and eight associates of his organization have been shifted to Dibrugarh Jail. All of them have been booked under NSA.
On 18 March, the Punjab Police arrested 78 people and launched a search for Amritpal in connection with several criminal cases. The action came nearly three weeks after Amritpal’s supporters stormed the Ajnala police station in Amritsar on 23 February, demanding the release of one of his aides, Lovepreet Toofan.
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On 23 February, a violent mob led by Amritpal stormed a police station in Ajnala, Punjab, demanding that an associate of the preacher be released from police custody. The protesters carried a copy of Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture of the Sikhs, as a shield. Punjab’s Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government acceded to the demand, but the incident acted as a trigger, following which the Punjab Police launched a coordinated crackdown against Khalistan supporter Amritpal Singh.
Amritpal is facing cases under the Indian Penal Code for promoting enmity between classes, attempt to murder, assault on police personnel and obstructing public servant in lawful discharge of duty. He was on the run for over a month after eluding the police after his convoy was intercepted in Jalandhar district on March 18. The 30-year-old is booked in at least half a dozen criminal cases.
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The year-old Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab is facing flak over the poor law and order situation and the police’s failure to arrest Amritpal and all those trying to harass him. The latter is seen on the back foot. Law and order in the state.