Chandigarh, September 13, 2024 (Yes Punjab News)
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) carried out raids at the homes of relatives and close aides of radical Sikh leader and Member of Parliament (MP) Amritpal Singh, currently imprisoned in Dibrugarh Jail under the National Security Act (NSA).
The raids were linked to a broader investigation into terrorist and gangster networks, as well as incidents involving pro-Khalistan protests in Canada and an attack on the Indian High Commission in London.
Raids Target Relatives and Aides
The NIA conducted raids in multiple locations in Amritsar, including the house and workshop of Amritpal Singh’s uncle, Pragat Singh Sandhu, and the residence of his brother-in-law, Amanjot Singh, who currently resides in Canada. Simultaneous raids were also carried out in Moga, Gurdaspur, and Jalandhar districts, intensifying the crackdown on those connected to the radical MP.
International Links to Pro-Khalistan Incidents
The NIA’s raids were reportedly connected to protests by pro-Khalistan supporters outside the High Commission of India in Ottawa, Canada, and an attack on the Indian High Commission in London earlier in 2023. These incidents raised concerns about a growing Khalistan separatist movement with international ties.
Supporters Condemn Raids as Harassment
Amritpal Singh’s supporters, including Charanjit Singh Bhinder, have called the raids a form of harassment and pressure tactics aimed at silencing those who support the MP. Bhinder claimed that the NIA was unfairly targeting individuals connected to Amritpal as part of a broader political agenda.
Amritpal Singh’s Rise to Fame and Radical Ideology
Amritpal Singh, who is now 31 years old, was relatively unknown until September 2022 when he returned to India from Dubai, where he had been running his family’s transport business. He later became the head of “Waris Punjab De,” an organization founded by lawyer-turned-activist Deep Sidhu in 2021. After taking charge, Amritpal attempted to position himself as a key figure in promoting the Panthic cause, urging youth to fight for the “freedom” of the Panth.
Arrest and Imprisonment
In April 2023, after a 36-day chase across multiple states, Amritpal Singh was arrested from a village associated with the slain Khalistani terrorist Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale. His arrest was seen as a major victory for the authorities, especially given his growing influence among radical Sikh factions.
Despite his efforts to draw parallels with Bhindranwale, Amritpal did not have the same religious background. A polytechnic dropout, Amritpal had cut his hair and shaved his beard while living in Dubai. His installation as the leader of Waris Punjab De in September 2022 marked his official entry into the Sikh political landscape.
