Amritpal Singh and Waris Punjab De have been exposed by the Punjab Police and have suspected of the role of ISI and foreign funding for them. Police say that he will be arrested soon.
New Delhi: Amritpal Singh, the chief of the pro-Khalistani and Waris Punjab de faction, is still absconding. Punjab Police is looking for him. The big question is where is Amritpal Singh hiding till now, he has not been caught by the police even after continuous raids. Meanwhile, the Punjab Police has given a lot of information by holding a press conference. Punjab Inspector General of Police (IGP) Sukhchain Singh Gill on Monday said that he strongly suspects an ISI angle and foreign funding in 'Waris Punjab De' as 114 people have been arrested so far while the hunt for fugitive Amritpal Singh is still on. also continues.
The Punjab IGP said in a press briefing "We have a strong suspicion of ISI angle and foreign funding based on the facts and circumstances that have emerged so far. Looking at the circumstances, it seems that ISI is involved and there is foreign funding as well. " He also said that a total of 114 people have been arrested since the start of the operation.
114 people arrested so far
He said, “So far 114 elements have been arrested who tried to disturb peace and harmony. A total of 78 of them were arrested on the first day, 34 on the second day and the rest last night. NSA (National Security Act) has been invoked against five people who were sent to Dibrugarh. Also, after four close aides of pro-Khalistan Amritpal Singh, who were detained and taken to Dibrugarh in Assam, Another detainee, Harjeet Singh, uncle of a Khalistan supporter, is also on his way to Dibrugarh.He also urged social media platforms and media persons to fact-check any news before sharing it.
Appeal not to pay attention to rumours
However, the senior police officer reiterated that fugitive Amritpal Singh is still absconding. IGP Gill said, "Police is making every possible effort to nab him. Many rumors are being spread. Punjab Police is clearly saying that the arrest is yet to be made and efforts are on to nab him. Starting Saturday Amidst the crackdown, the ban on internet, SMS and dongle services has also been extended till Tuesday afternoon.
Earlier in the day, the Punjab Police had informed that Amritpal Singh's uncle and driver had surrendered before the police.
Earlier sources in the central agency had told that Daljit Singh Kalsi alias Sarabjit Singh Kalsi, an alleged advisor and financier of Amritpal Singh, was arrested by the authorities on Sunday. The vehicle used by 'Waris Punjab De' chief Amritpal Singh to flee was also seized by the Punjab Police along with several other vehicles and ammunition.
Amritpal has been declared a fugitive by the police
Meanwhile, heavy police force has been deployed outside the residence of Amritpal Singh in Jallupur Kheda village of Amritsar. According to the police, security has also been beefed up across the state. Police also conducted flag marches in different parts of the state to maintain law and order and instill confidence among the people. Jalandhar commissioner Kuldeep Singh Chahal confirmed late Saturday evening that the hardline leader has been declared a "fugitive".
The police crackdown began nearly three weeks after Amritpal's supporters clashed with uniformed personnel at the Ajnala police station on the outskirts of Amritsar on 23 February, demanding the release of one of Amritpal's supporters, Lovepreet Toofan. Thousands of his supporters stormed the Ajnala police station, brandishing swords and high-powered firearms and threatening the police with dire consequences if they did not release Lovepreet Toofan, accused of assaulting and kidnapping a man.