Khalistani Leader Amritpal Still On Run; Police Suspect Pakistan Angle, Foreign Funding

Ludhiana: As the massive search operation to arrest Khalistani leader Amritpal Singh entered the third day, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Punjab Sukhchain Singh Gill said on Monday that the police are suspecting the involvement of Pakistan’s spy agency Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).

“We have a very strong suspicion of an ISI angle, based on facts and circumstances that have come to light so far. We also have a very strong suspicion of foreign funding. It seems that ISI is involved and there is foreign funding as well,” Sukhchain stated.

“So far, 114 people have attempted to disturb peace and harmony. They have been rounded up and arrested… 78 were arrested on the first day, 34 on day 2 and two others last night. 10 weapons have also been recovered,” the IGP informed.

He assured people that there is peace in the state and the situation is stable.

“There is no law and order situation… Particular action was taken against a few elements of ‘Waris Punjab De’ against whom six criminal cases have been registered.”

Amritpal, the chief of Waris Punjab De, was declared a fugitive after giving police the slip on Saturday following an intense car chase through Jalandhar district.

The IGP said police are making all efforts to nab Amritpal and urged people not to believe in various rumours that are being spread.

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During searches, bulletproof jackets and rifles were recovered.

The gate of Amritpal’s house had AKF written on it.

“There was an attempt to form a Jathebandi called ‘Anandpur Khalsa Fauj’,” IGP said.

Four people who were detained have been sent to Assam’s Dibrugarh and Amritpal’s uncle is also being taken there, the IG added.

National Security Act (NSA) has been invoked against all five people who have been arrested so far.