Who is Amritpal Singh and his organization ‘Waris Punjab De’ fanning Khalistani sentiments?

New Delhi: Khalistan sympathizer and ‘Waris Punjab De’ chief was detained by Punjab Police on March 18 after a search operation. The government suspended mobile and internet services to maintain public security.

Ajnala police station in Punjab’s Amritsar was stormed by hundreds of followers of a radical leader Amritpal Singh on Thursday, with many of them brandishing swords & guns. Breaking through the police barricade, they clashed with Punjab police, leaving many of them injured.

Yesterday’s violence at the police station laid bare the shaky law & order situation in Punjab but what has caused bigger flutter in political circles is the release of Lovepreet Toofan Singh, a close associate of Armitpal Singh. Toofan Singh was apprehended on charges of abducting & assaulting a man.

As Punjab police gave in to the marauding mob & released the accused under alleged subjugation, the spotlight is on self-styled preacher Amritpal Singh.

Who is Amritpal Singh & what is ‘Waris Punjab De’

Amritpal Singh is at the centre of controversy over Ajnala police station violence. On February 23, he laid a forced siege of the police station and swarmed with his armed supporters engaged in violent scuffle with Punjab police, leaving many of them injured.

Amritpal Singh is the head of religious organization Waris Punjab De.

The 29-year-old Amritpal is a Khalistani supporter and moves around with supporters armed with weapons. Some of his supporters even call him a Bhindrawale 2.0 of Punjab.

He was recently anointed as he head of ‘Waris Punjab De’ at an event in Moga district, the native village of terrorist Jarnail Singh Bhindrawale.

The Waris Punjab De was founded by actor-activist Deep Sindhu who recently died in a car crash. A day ago, the radical leader was openly advocating the cause of Khalistan as he stated that aim for ‘Khalistan state’ should not be seen as evil & taboo.

“It’s an ideology & ideology never dies,” Amritpal told newsmen.

Recently, he also issued a threat to Union Home Minister Amit Shah. He claimed that the Home Minister will meet the same fate as of former PM Indira Gandhi, if he tries to crush Khalistani movement.