New Delhi

The police of India’s northern Punjab state launched a state-wide crackdown against the separatist Khalistani elements and arrested 78 members of Waris Punjab De, a radical outfit, and are in pursuit of its chief Amritpal Singh who managed to slip away and has been declared a fugitive.

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Even as a manhunt is underway to nab Singh, the state government upped the ante by suspending internet and SMS services until Monday noon. Orders also have been issued prohibiting assembly of people.

During their operation, police seized one .315 bore rifle, seven 12 bore rifles, one revolver, and 373 live cartridges of different caliber.

Punjab police officials said that Singh has been declared a fugitive.

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Speaking to ANI news agency, Jalandhar Commissioner Kuldeep Singh Chahal said, “Waris Punjab De chief Amritpal Singh has been declared a fugitive. His two cars were seized and gunmen nabbed. We also checked if the firearms of his security escorts had been procured legally.” 

“All mobile internet services, all SMS services (except banking & mobile recharge) and all dongle services provided on mobile networks, except the voice call, in the territorial jurisdiction of Punjab are suspended till March 20 (12:00 hours) in the interest of public safety,” said officials of the Home Affairs and Justice department of Punjab state on Sunday. The order came after the arrest of Daljeet Singh Kalsi alias Sarabjeet Singh Kalsi, an alleged adviser and financer of Amritpal Singh.

The police clampdown came a day ahead of the start of Amritpal Singh's 'Khalsa Wahir' — a caravan march — which was to start from Muktsar district.

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Authorities have tightened security at many places in Punjab with intensive vehicle checking. Heavy security arrangement has been made outside Amritpal Singh's village, Jallupur Khaira, in Amritsar as well. Police have detained his father and are questioning him.

A police spokesperson told PTI news agency that the followers of 'Waris Punjab De' (WPD) are involved in four criminal cases relating to spreading disharmony among classes, attempt to murder, attack on police personnel, and creating obstructions in the lawful discharge of duties of public servants.

A criminal complaint filed on February 24 has charged WPD elements for the attack on Ajnala Police Station.

How the crackdown unfolded

According to reports, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann met Home Minister Amit Shah on March 2 to discuss the plan to arrest Amritpal Singh.

The state government had been keeping a close eye on Singh and WPD elements ever since they rose to prominence for their radical and separatist speeches and actions.

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Last month, Singh’s supporters broke into a police station with swords and guns for the release of one of his aides. Six police officials were injured in the clash. 

The state government was harshly criticised for the law and order situation in the state after the incident.

Who is Amritpal Singh?

Amritpal Singh Sandhu, born on January 17, 1993, is a radical self-styled Khalistani separatist from Punjab, India.

He rose to prominence in September 2022 after he returned from Dubai to India to become the leader of Waris Panjab De after the death of its leader Deep Sidhu in a car accident, but his position is disputed.

Amritpal and his supporters claim that Sidhu was murdered by the ‘state’.

The radical Sikh preacher has been on the radar of Indian intelligence officials for his statements about declaring secession from India and forming Khalistan.

Recently, he claimed that he was questioned by the “agencies” for hours when he landed at Amritsar airport.

“A Sikh youth being questioned on returning to his homeland is a sign of ‘ghulami’ (slavery),” he added.

According to police records, Amritpal Singh is married to UK-based NRI Kirandeep Kaur.

Three cases are registered against Amritpal Singh, out of which two are related to hate speech and one is related to kidnapping.

(With inputs from agencies)

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