Punjab police launched a massive crackdown on Waris Punjab de chief and radical preacher Amritpal Singh, prompting the state government to suspend all mobile internet and SMS services in the state until March 23, according to an order issued on Tuesday.
“In the interest of public safety, all mobile internet services, all SMS services (except banking and mobile recharge), and all dongle services provided on mobile networks, except voice call, shall continue to be suspended in the districts Tarn Taran, Ferozepur, Moga, Sangrur, Sub-Division Ainala in Amritsar, areas adjoining YPS chowk and Airport Road both in SAS Nagar, until March 23 (12:00 hours),” the order read.
Amritpal Singh remains on the run, although his uncle Harjit Singh and driver Harpreet Singh have already surrendered to Jalandhar police. Cops have also arrested 78 members of an organization led by him.
On Tuesday, Harjeet Singh was taken to Dibrugarh Central Jail. According to sources, his uncle was brought from Punjab to Jorhat’s military airport, from which he was driven to the Dibrugarh Jail under security.
Many other Khalistan supporters, in addition to Harjeet Singh, have been brought to Dibrugarh jail, according to sources quoted by the news agency ANI.
On Sunday, four pro-Khalistani members were flown to Dibrugarh and lodged in the Central Jail.
According to the police, a total of 112 arrests have been made in the case so far, with 34 being made on Sunday. According to the police, Waris Punjab De chief Amritpal Singh is still on the run, and a massive manhunt has been launched to apprehend him.
Previously, central agency sources stated that Daljeet Singh Kalsi, alias Sarabjeet Singh Kalsi, an alleged advisor and financier of Amritpal Singh, was arrested on Sunday.
Punjab Police also seized the vehicle used by ‘Waris Punjab De’ chief Amritpal Singh to flee, as well as several other vehicles and ammunition.
Meanwhile, a large police force has been deployed outside Amritpal Singh’s home in Amritsar’s Jallupur Khera village. According to the police, security has also increased throughout the state.
The police also held flag marches throughout the state to maintain law and order and instil confidence in the public. Jalandhar Commissioner Kuldeep Singh Chahal confirmed the radical leader’s status as a “fugitive” late Saturday evening.
The police action came nearly three weeks after Amritpal supporters clashed with uniformed personnel at the Ajnala police station on the outskirts of Amritsar on February 23, demanding the release of one of Amritpal’s close aides, Lovepreet Toofan.
To get Lovepreet Toofan released after being detained for allegedly assaulting and kidnapping a man, thousands of his supporters stormed the Ajnala police station brandishing swords and large-caliber weapons.
