CHANDIGARH: In a major crackdown, the Punjab Police has been targeting Amritpal Singh, the head of the ‘Waris Punjab De’ organization and his associates. As of now, the police have arrested 114 people, but Amritpal Singh remains at large. His uncle and driver have surrendered to the police on Sunday night.
The police have labeled Amritpal Singh as an absconder and are continuing their efforts to apprehend him. On Saturday, a special police team followed his convoy, but he managed to escape. In response, the police have conducted flag marches across the state, involving paramilitary forces and district police units.
The Punjab administration has extended the ban on internet services in the state until 12 noon on Tuesday (March 21). This has led to reports of protests in America and Britain against the police action.
All mobile internet services, all SMS services (except banking & mobile recharge) & all dongle services provided on mobile networks, except the voice call, in the territorial jurisdiction of Punjab suspended till March 21 (12:00 hours) in the interest of public safety: Dept of… https://t.co/kkq3eD8DLe pic.twitter.com/BMNM5uOvDi
— ANI (@ANI) March 20, 2023
The High Court has taken notice of the situation after a lawyer accused the Punjab government of keeping Amritpal Singh in custody. However, the Attorney General representing the government has stated that Amritpal Singh has not been arrested yet. The next hearing on this matter will take place on Tuesday.
Commissioner Police of Jalandhar addressing the media.#SafetyFirst pic.twitter.com/AGZ502NpwO
— Commissionerate Police Jalandhar (@CPJalandhar) March 19, 2023
In response to the Punjab Police’s actions, the Union Territory Chandigarh Administration has invoked Section 144. Four associates of Amritpal Singh have been taken to Dibrugarh in Assam, and the Assam Chief Minister has called it a cooperative action between the police of both states.
On Sunday, the police arrested 34 people, including those who were seen as a threat to peace and harmony. Despite this, the protests in London and New York against the police action continue to gain momentum.