Police close in on Waris Punjab De chief Amritpal Singh; internet services shut across state

JALANDHAR: Punjab police on Saturday launched a massive statewide cordon and search operations in the state against elements of Waris Punjab De, including its chief Amritpal Singh.
The force has so far arrested 78 persons but the pro-Khalistani radical preacher is still absconding and a massive manhunt has been launched to nab him, said the Punjab Police.
Earlier, police sources had claimed that the separatist leader had been arrested after initially giving the cops the slip in Mehatpur area of Jalandhar district. A few of Amritpal's associates were detained in Mehatpur while he managed to escape in his vehicle.
The chase was streamed live from his vehicle. Sources claimed Amritpal was eventually arrested but this turned out to be false.

"During the statewide operation, nine weapons, including one .315 bore rifle, seven rifles of 12 bore, one revolver and 373 live cartridges of different caliber have been recovered so far. Waris Punjab De elements are involved in four criminal cases relating to spreading disharmony among classes, attempt to murder, attack on police persons and creating obstructions in the lawful discharge of duties of public servants. FIR stands registered for the attack on Ajnala Police Station," said the Punjab Police in a statement released late on Saturday night.
Internet services have also been suspended across the state till noon Sunday.
In the statewide crackdown, Punjab police detained others persons also including social media influencers.

Meanwhile, 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.


As soon as police started chasing Amritpal Singh in the noon in Shahkot area of Jalandhar, and by the time he reached Mehatpur, his associates immediately disseminated the information about the police action. A heavy police force was involved in the entire operation.

The operation to arrest Amritpal comes a day before he was expected to start the second leg of Khalsa Wahir from Mukatsar on Sunday.
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 Amritpal's aide.
Watch Pro-Khalistan leader Amritpal Singh arrested in Jalandhar, internet services suspended till March 19