On Saturday, Amritpal Singh, the separatist leader and chief of Waris Punjab De, was detained by the Punjab police in Mehatpur area of Jalandhar district. According to sources, a few of Amritpal’s associates were also detained, while others and Amritpal managed to escape in his vehicle. The chase was streamed live from his vehicle. Earlier during the day, he managed to give the police a slip. However, he was caught later. The statewide crackdown also detained several other persons, including social media influencers.
Last month, Amritpal and his supporters, some of them brandishing swords and guns, broke through barricades and barged into the Ajnala Police Station in the outskirts of the Amritsar city, and clashed with police for the release of one of his aides.
Internet services have been suspended across the state till 12 noon Sunday, and Punjab Police asked people to maintain peace and harmony. “Request all citizens to maintain peace & harmony Punjab Police is working to maintain Law & Order. Request citizens not to panic or spread fake news or hate speech,” it said in a tweet.
Senior police officers are not yet disclosing the case/s in which Amritpal has been arrested. The action comes a day before he was expected to start the second leg of Khalsa Wahir from Mukatsar on Sunday.
In order to truly understand the significance of this event, additional research may be necessary. The issue of separatism in Punjab is a complex and sensitive one, and understanding its historical, cultural, and political roots may provide valuable insights into the current situation. Experts in the field may also offer valuable perspectives and analyses.
Overall, the detention of Amritpal Singh and the crackdown by the Punjab police signify a significant development in the ongoing struggle for autonomy and independence in Punjab. The situation is still unfolding, and it remains to be seen how it will affect the political and social landscape of the region.
