The Punjab Police may have missed the opportunity to take down Amritpal Singh, but according to central security agencies, his mistakes may eventually lead to his downfall. The government had been urged to take action against Amritpal, a radical Sikh leader and rabble-rouser. Home Minister Amit Shah had also instructed Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to take action against elements that are trying to whip up separatist sentiments in the state. Amritpal has made several mistakes, including disrespecting the Indian Constitution and insulting the Guru Granth Sahib by using it as a shield during a protest. He also threatened both Shah and Mann, allegedly made decisions without following Sikh Rehat Maryada, and disregarded the role of the Panj Piyaras in decision-making. Reports indicate that Amritpal’s takeover of Waaris Punjab De, with his uncle’s assistance, has turned it into a family affair. He has been accused of receiving funds from Pakistani agencies and disrespecting the Constitution. Additionally, intelligence agencies have pointed to UK-based radical Sikh activist Avtar Singh Khanda as his main handler and the architect behind his rise as a pro-Khalistan Sikh icon. Amritpal’s links to Lakhbir Singh Rode, head of International Sikh Youth Federation, have also raised concerns. The central security establishment suspects that Amritpal has been groomed by external forces, including Pakistan’s ISI, to stir up separatist sentiments in Punjab, given his style and popularity on social media.
