Pro-Khalistan preacher Amritpal Singh calls for a ‘Sarbat Khalsa’ congregation amidst police crackdown

Accused leader of Waris Punjab De still on the run, calls for Sikh community to protest against government

Amritpal Singh, the leader of Waris Punjab De, is accused of links to secessionist activities and other crimes. He is currently on the run and not in custody. His supporters have been facing a police crackdown since March 18, and over 350 people have been detained. Despite this, Singh has released a six-minute video on social media calling on the Sikh community to protest against the government and participate in a Sarbat Khalsa.

Singh has appealed to Akal Takht Jathedar to lead the Sarbat Khalsa, an open-house congregation of Sikhs, where they can discuss long-pending demands of the community. Singh has suggested that police are not only looking to arrest him but are also targeting innocent Sikh youth under the National Security Act. He has asked Sikhs living abroad to contribute to the Sarbat Khalsa and attend it.

Singh claims he has escaped police but is linked to a larger conspiracy involving Khalistani secessionist movement

In his video statement, Amritpal Singh claimed that he had managed to escape from police and was safe. However, he is allegedly linked to a larger conspiracy involving the Khalistani secessionist movement.

Singh’s followers are facing nine separate FIRs across Punjab involving allegations of spreading communal disharmony, attempt to murder, and attacking policemen. The Punjab government has slapped the stringent National Security Act against Singh and some of his close aides.

High alert in Golden Temple, Talwandi Sabo and Anandpur Sahib after reports that Singh might enter Sikh shrine

Following intelligence inputs that Singh might enter a Sikh shrine before offering his surrender to Punjab Police, the government sounded a high alert in the Golden Temple in Amritsar, Talwandi Sabo in Bathinda, and Anandpur Sahib.

Singh’s supporters had earlier stormed a police station, leading to a crackdown on Waris Punjab De. Despite this, Amritpal Singh appeared in a video on Baisakhi day, calling for a ‘Sarbat Khalsa’ congregation to discuss issues related to the Sikh community.

Singh accuses Punjab government of not sparing women, children or handicapped youth in arrests

Singh accused the Punjab government of not allowing his ‘Khalsa Vaheer’ earlier and sending Sikh youths to jail. He also criticized CM Bhagwant Mann’s comments pertaining to the Akal Takht Jathedar.

Despite being on the run, Amritpal Singh is in high spirits and does not fear arrest. There are reports that he might surrender since security in some areas has been tightened.

Opposition leader dismisses government’s claims about bringing Singh into custody

Punjab leader of opposition and Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa said the dramatic appearance of Amritpal Singh has debunked claims made by the government that police were close to apprehending him. He also criticized the government’s handling of the situation.

In conclusion, unrest and protests continue as Amritpal Singh remains on the run despite police action against his outfit Waris Punjab De. With increased security measures in place across Punjab and a call for Sarbat Khalsa from Singh himself, tensions between authorities and the Sikh community remain high.

Image Source: Wikimedia Commons