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Four arrested aides of fugitive Amritpal Singh shifted to Dibrugarh in Assam by special IAF aircraft

OpIndia Staff
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Four arrested aides of fugitive Amritpal Singh shifted to Dibrugarh in Assam by special IAF aircraft

Amidst a crackdown on pro-Khalistan ‘Waris Punjab De’ chief Amritpal Singh, four of his arrested aides have been moved to Dibrugarh in Assam on Sunday, March 19.

Reportedly, the case of Amritpal Singh’s aides would be handled by Assam’s top police official.

Four detained associates of Khalistani preacher Amritpal Singh were flown to Dibrugarh by a Special Air Force aircraft. The arrested persons will most likely be imprisoned in the Dibrugarh Central Jail. They were accompanied by a 27-member Punjab Police team, including the IG Prison.

At Mohanbari Airport, they were received by Dibrugarh’s Deputy Commissioner (DC) and Superintendent of Police (SP) amid tight security. The four arrested Waris Punjab De members were shifted to the bus at the runway of the airport itself, and a large team of Assam police escorted them to the jail. They were lodged in prison after medical tests.

Talking to reporters in Dibrugarh, Tejbir Singh Hundal of Punjab Police, the SP Investigation in Hoshiarpur, said that four persons have been shifted to Assam. He refused to divulge the names of the persons when asked, saying it will be disclosed later. He confirmed that the arrested persons will be kept at Dibrugarh Central Jail.

Security has been tightened at the jail, and additional Assam police forces have been deployed apart from the regular jail guards.

It is notable that just 2 days ago, senior officials of Assam Police visited the Dibrugarh Central Jail. Before the official confirmation, local media was reporting increased security activities at the Dibrugarh airport and around the jail. According to the speculations by media, all arrested members of Waris Punjab De will be shifted out of Punjab, as Punjab will see massive protests against the arrests, and there could be law and order situations, given how the organisation had seized a police station to release one of the arrested members.

Notably, Jalandhar Commissioner Kuldeep Singh Chahal on Saturday late evening confirmed that the radical leader has been declared a “fugitive”.

“Waris Punjab De chief Amritpal Singh has been declared a fugitive. His two cars were seized and gunmen nabbed. We also checked if the firearms of his security escorts had been procured legally. A case has been registered. Punjab Police have launched a manhunt for Amritpal Singh and we are hopeful that he will be arrested soon. A total of 78 people have been arrested so far and further searches and raids are underway,” Chahal said in an exclusive interview with ANI.

Amritpal’s rise in Punjab

Amritpal Singh was a supporter of Deep Sidhu and actively participated in online campaigns and scissions with the pro-Khalistani late actor-turned-activist Sidhu who had founded Waris Punjab De in 2021. After Sidhu died in a road accident, Amritpal Singh took over the organisation. At that time, he was in Dubai. He returned to India in September 2022 and officially took charge of the organisation. Since then, his rise has been seen in a similar timeline to the rise of Khalistani terrorist Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale in the late 1980s.

Punjab: ‘We will arrest Amritpal Singh soon’ – Jalandhar Commissioner of Police assures law and order will be maintained

OpIndia Staff
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Punjab: ‘We will arrest Amritpal Singh soon’ – Jalandhar Commissioner of Police assures law and order will be maintained

On March 19, Jalandhar Commissioner of Police Kuldeep Singh Chahal said that the search operation to find Waris Punjab De chief Amritpal Singh is still on, and he will be arrested soon. Punjab Police intercepted Amritpal’s convoy on March 18 and arrested his associates, but Amritpal managed to escape.

Speaking to the media, CP Chahal said, “The search is still on. Our main aim is to maintain law and order in Punjab. The state police are capable of maintaining law and order at any cost. No one is allowed to disturb peace in the state. We will take strict action if anyone attempts to disturb the harmony.”

When asked about Amritpal Singh’s escape, he said, “It is a Police-thief game. Sometimes they manage to escape. But ultimately, we will arrest him soon enough. We chased his car for 20-25 KMs. As he was in the front, he had some advantage. He changed his vehicle and escaped. We have arrested his associated and recovered weapons. The police are registering cases accordingly.”

It is unclear if the weapons recovered were licensed or not. Investigation into the matter is underway.

Punjab Police’s Operation against Amritpal Singh

On March 18, Punjab Police launched a massive crackdown on pro-Khalistan leader Amritpal Singh and his associates in Punjab. Security personnel from Central agencies, including CRPF in the state for the G20 summit, joined the operation with Punjab Police. The Police arrested 78 associates of Amritpal Singh during the operation. However, Amritpal Singh was on the run when this report was written. Punjab Police issued an advisory not to believe rumours on social media. Furthermore, internet services were shut in the state until March 19, 12 PM, and extended to March 20, 12 PM. Punjab Government imposed Section 144 in the state to ensure law and order.

Brother-sister duo remain locked inside their home in Ambala for 20 years, rescued

OpIndia Staff
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Brother-sister duo remain locked inside their home in Ambala for 20 years, rescued

On Saturday, March 18, a brother-sister duo who were locked inside their house for 20 years were rescued in Boh village of Ambala Cantt in Haryana. The brother-sister duo has been identified as Sunil and Indu Sharma.

Indu and Sunil had locked themselves in their own house 20 years ago after the demise of their parents. Reportedly, Surya Prakash Sharma, the father of the rescued siblings was an Ayurvedic doctor. It is being said that Indu and Sunil are mentally not well. Indu has Master of Arts (MA) and Bachelor of Education (B..Ed) degrees.

Social service organizations Manukhta Di Seva and Vande Mataram Dal rescued the duo and took them to Ludhiana where the two will be provided due care.

The two managed to survive as their neighbours regularly provided them with food. However, the two looked emaciated when they were rescued.

According to reports, Indu and Sunil fell into depression following the passing of their parents, and despite repeated requests from relatives to leave their home, they refused to listen and remained there for 20 years.

According to Mintu Malwa, a member of the “Manukhta Di Sewa” organisation, his organisation helps those who have no family or relatives or are mentally ill. Indu and Sunil were saved as soon as they learned about them and started gathering information about them. Despite having a decent education, both are currently in poor health. “Our organization will try to give better life to both of them,” Malwa remarked.

Amritpal dumped his phone, escaped in his Merc SUV, report reveals how Singh evaded arrest

OpIndia Staff
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Amritpal dumped his phone, escaped in his Merc SUV, report reveals how Singh evaded arrest

On March 18, the “hope” of Khalistanis reportedly sped away in his posh Mercedes SUV to get away from the Punjab Police near Jalandhar. As per the News18 report, his car and phone were found dumped in a ditch to throw the police officials off his trail. In a late evening press release, Punjab Police said Amritpal Singh was still on the run.

Singh was about to leave his house at his parental village Jallupur Khera for Jalandhar when Police initiated a massive operation to arrest him. The police force stayed at the village border to arrest him. Singh was travelling in his SUV with two SUVs in front and back. Police wanted to arrest him outside his village, where he has a stronghold, and any operation could have led to a law and order issue.

When his vehicle reached Shahkot-Malsian road near Jalandhar, around 60 police cars intercepted his convoy. One of the SUCs was hit. Two of the SUV were stopped by the police, and the police arrested seven armed gunmen of Singh. However, Singh managed to escape. A video by Singh’s aide went viral on social media, where they appealed to his supporters to gather and block the police.

Later, his SUV and phone were found ditched in a village near Nakodar. Some reports suggest he managed to escape on a bike. Police suspected he was hiding in Sarinh village of Nakodar, where a search operation was conducted to nab him. Some speculations have been made that the National Investigation Agency might take over the case once Singh gets arrested, and he could be booked under the National Security Act (NSA).

Funding from Pakistan

Notably, it was reported that Singh’s treasurer Basant Singh received funds from Pakistan earlier. While Amritpal Singh was in Dubai, he reportedly maintained close contact with Jaswant Singh Rode, the brother of Lakhbir Singh Rode, the chief of the Pakistan-based International Sikh Youth Federation (ISYF). Amritpal Singh currently heads ‘Waris Punjab De’. Furthermore, the source also revealed that Amritpal Singh’s treasurer, Basant Singh Daulatpura, was receiving funds from Pakistan.

Amritpal’s rise in Punjab

Amritpal Singh was a follower of Deep Sidhu and actively participated in online campaigns and scissions with the pro-Khalistani late actor-turned-activist Deep Sidhu who had founded Waris Punjab De in 2021. After Sidhu died in a road accident, Amritpal Singh took over the organisation. At that time, he was in Dubai. He returned to India in September and officially took charge of the organisation. Since then, his rise has been seen in a similar timeline to the rise of Khalistani terrorist Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale in the late 1980s.

Amritpal Singh’s “close aide and financer” arrested: Sources

ANI
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Amritpal Singh’s “close aide and financer” arrested: Sources

As efforts are underway to nab pro-Khalistan ‘Waris Punjab De’ chief Amritpal Singh, an alleged advisor and financer of the “fugitive” has been arrested, central agency sources informed. 

As per the sources, Daljeet Singh Kalsi alias Sarabjeet Singh Kalsi, who is an alleged advisor and financer of Amritpal Singh, has been arrested by the authorities. This comes after the Punjab Police on Saturday launched a massive crackdown against the ‘Waris De Punjab’ chief. 

Earlier today, police personnel were deployed outside Amritpal Singh’s residence in Jallupur Khera village in Amritsar, and security was enhanced across the state as the Khalistani sympathiser outfit chief is currently on the run, as per the police. 

Earlier on Saturday late evening, Jalandhar Commissioner Kuldeep Singh Chahal confirmed that the radical leader had been declared a “fugitive”. 

In an exclusive interview with ANI, the Jalandhar Commissioner said, “Waris Punjab De’ chief Amritpal Singh has been declared a fugitive. His two cars were seized and gunmen nabbed. We also checked if the firearms of his security escorts had been procured legally. A case has been registered. Punjab Police have launched a manhunt for Amritpal Singh and we are hopeful that he will be arrested soon. A total of 78 people have been arrested so far and further searches and raids are underway”. 
Amritpal Singh’s father, however, claimed that Punjab Police conducted searches at his residence in Amritsar but did not find “anything illegal”. 

Tarsem Singh, Amritpal’s father, on late Saturday night said the police should have arrested him before he left the house. 

“We don’t have any information about his whereabouts. They carried out a search at our residence for 3-4 hours but did not find anything illegal. Police should have arrested him before he left home,” said Tarsem Singh in an exclusive interview with ANI on Saturday. 

Sharing more details, the official spokesperson of Punjab Police said, “On Saturday afternoon, several activists of WPD were intercepted by the Police at the Shahkot-Malsian Road in Jalandhar district and seven persons were arrested on the spot. Several others including Amritpal Singh are on the run and a massive manhunt has been launched to nab them.” 

“During the statewide operation, nine weapons, including one .315 bore rifle, seven rifles of 12 bore, one revolver and 373 live cartridges of different calibres have been recovered so far,” said an officer. 

The spokesperson informed that WPD elements are involved in four criminal cases relating to spreading disharmony among classes, attempt to murder, attacking police persons and creating obstructions in the lawful discharge of duties of public servants. 
“Case FIR No. 39 dated 24-02-2023 stands registered against WPD elements for the attack on Ajnala Police Station,” he added. 

He said that all persons involved in criminal offences shall be dealt with in accordance with the law and all persons wanted by the police should offer themselves to the process of law. Their constitutional rights of legal defence shall be protected, he added. 
Police requested all the citizens not to pay heed to fake news and rumours. 

“Situation in the state is completely stable. All persons indulging in mischievous activities for disturbing peace and harmony in the state shall be dealt with strictly,” the police said. 

Earlier in the day, mobile Internet services were also suspended in several districts of Punjab until 12 noon on Sunday. 

The police action came almost over three weeks after Amritpal’s supporters clashed with uniformed personnel at the Ajnala police station on the outskirts of Amritsar last month, demanding the release of one of Amritpal’s close aides, Lovepreet Toofan. 

On February 23, thousands of his supporters stormed the Ajnala police station, flashing swords and high-calibre firearms and threatening the police with dire consequences if they did not release Lovepreet Toofan, who was arrested for allegedly assaulting and abducting a man. 

The supporters, brandishing swords and guns, broke through police barricades erected outside the Ajnala police station. 

The police later said “in the light of the evidence presented”, it has been decided that Lovepreet Singh Toofan will be discharged. 
Lovepreet Singh was released from jail on February 24 following orders of a court in Ajnala on an application by the police. 

Reacting to the incident, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann had said that these “1,000 people” don’t represent Punjab, and alleged that they are “funded by Pakistan” to disrupt peace in the state.

(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)

International toolkit gets activated as Punjab Police continues its manhunt against Khalistan sympathiser Amritpal Singh

OpIndia Staff
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International toolkit gets activated as Punjab Police continues its manhunt against Khalistan sympathiser Amritpal Singh

As the Punjab police intensified its manhunt to nab Amritpal Singh and his aides on Saturday (March 18), support poured in for the pro-Khalistan leader from across the globe.

In a concerted effort to defame India, Singh’s sympathisers insinuated that the Sikh community is in danger in India and that the pro-Khalistan leader is a martyr of sorts.

Canada-based ‘World Sikh Organisation’ claimed, “The World Sikh Organization of Canada (WSO) condemns the security operations in Punjab to arrest Sikh leader, Bhai Amritpal Singh.” It also attempted to create fear in the international community about the shutdown of internet in the State of Punjab.

Indian-origin Canadian politician, Jagmeet Singh, tweeted, “I am deeply concerned by reports that India has suspended civil liberties and imposed an internet blackout throughout the state of Punjab.”

As part of the international toolkit, he was quick to associate the action of Punjab police to nab Amritpal Singh with the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. “These draconian measures are unsettling for many given their historical use to execute extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances during the 1984 Sikh Genocide,” Singh added.

Some of Amritpal Singh’s sympathisers tried to deviate the public discourse from his arrest to the temporary internet shutdown (which is meant to prevent unrest, chaos and organised violence in Punjab).

Another Canadian politician, Tim S Uppal, wrote, “Very concerned about reports coming out of Punjab, India. The government has suspended internet services and restricted gatherings of more than 4 people in some areas. We are closely following the situation.”

Canada-based poet, Rupi Kaur, claimed, “Mass arrests of Sikh activists are taking place in Punjab. at least 78 people taken. Internet and SMS have been shut down in areas along with crackdowns on gatherings. Sikh media outlets and pages have been blocked.”

Khalsa Aid (Canada) director, Jindi Singh KA, alleged, “The burden of fighting for Sikh Rights yet again falls at the feet of Sikh Youth Activists, who are now being rounded up by Punjab Police, with the internet cut & gathering of 4+ banned.”

“Is this the behavior of a mature democracy? We remember the State Violence of the 80s & 90s,” he added.

One Twitter user, H Gill, even tried to mobilise pro-Khalistan elements in New York to protest against the manhunt against Amritpal Singh.

The toolkit controversy and its origins

The monicker ‘toolkit’ has become a shorthand for the systemic targeting of India and its institutions by a vicious cabal of journalists, activists and politicians.

It was first popularised by infamous global climate activist Greta Thunberg, who inadvertently revealed the sinister global campaign in a tweet during the anti-farm law protests in India in February 2021.

The document shared by Greta Thunberg listed a series of actions that people across the world could take to pressurise the Indian Government over the cause of agitating farmers.

As part of the plan, celebrities including Rihanna, Mia Khalifa and Canadian MP Jagmeet and others came forward in support of the anti-farm law protests. The ‘toolkit’ shared by Greta Thunberg has made it clear that it was part of a larger conspiracy to cause unrest in India.

Later, in May 2021, another Congress toolkit began doing the rounds on social media, which suggested ways to paint the Kumbh Mela as a ‘Covid-10 super-spreader.’

Pakistanis attack their PM for being busy watching cricket while the country spirals into political chaos and economic crisis

OpIndia Staff
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Pakistanis attack their PM for being busy watching cricket while the country spirals into political chaos and economic crisis

Even when Pakistan is faced with a mounting economic crisis with no visible signs of relief, Pakistan’s Prime Minister prioritizes watching cricket match over fixing the country’s economy in shambles. On Saturday, March 18, PM Shehbaz Sharif lauded Pakistani cricketer Shaheen Shah Afridi for his 44 runs off 15 balls knock against Multan Sultans at the Pakistan Super League (PSL)- the cheaper version of the Indian Premier League (IPL). 

Praising the Lahore Qalandars captain Shaheen Afridi, the Pakistani Prime Minister tweeted, “Another Afridi with such power hitting…”

A Twitter user named FAIQ tweeted, “Ain’t no way this nigga watching PSL Final while there a literal civil war going on in the country.”

Several Pakistani Twitter users advised the Pakistani PM to focus on the country instead of watching cricket.

One ‘Ajeeb’ replied to Sharif’s tweet calling him ‘Talka Insaan’ (bald man) and urged him to focus on Pakistan. “Abey mulk pe dhyan de takla insaan,” Ajeed tweeted.

Another user advised Sharif to focus on the country’s economy.

One Umar Ishtiaq tweeted, “Apny logun per zulam kar k yeh baighairat match dekh rha ha (After inflicting atrocities on his people this Shameless is watching match).

Hamid Khan wrote, “begherat tu match dhaik mulk jal raha (the country is burning and this shameless is watching match).”

Pakistani entertainer Sehar Shinwari known for her anti-India rants and attention-seeking gimmicks also criticized PM Sharif and wrote, “Country is on the verge of default, IMF is asking to end our nuclear program, the worst ever political and human rights situation in the country and you are busy watching PSL. Shame on you.”

One Husain Afzal taunted PM Sharif for his ‘great services’ in the last 11 months. “Mr. Prime is busy watching cricket, as Pakistan recorded the highest inflation rate, no IMF deal as yet… Thank you very much Mr. Shehbaz Sharif for your great services in the last 11 months for the homeland,” Afzal replied.

Pakistan-IMF meeting over bail-out fails

Pakistan has been hit by its worst-ever economic crisis with skyrocketing inflation, supply chain disruptions, and depleting foreign reserves alongside a political crisis.

The talks for a much-needed bailout package between International Monetary Fund (IMF) and Pakistan failed in February this year, posing a serious question about the country’s ability to repay international loans. Pakistan is in talks with the IMF on a $1.1 billion funding round, which is part of a $6.5 billion bailout package signed in 2019. While an IMF team was in Pakistan to discuss the deal, the talks collapsed as they failed to reach a staff-level agreement within the stipulated time. Following this, Shehbaz Sharif-led ruling coalition decided to significantly increase tax rates to meet with IMF’s conditions.

Amid Amritpal chase in India, ‘Referendum 2020’ takes place in Brisbane, Australia, here is what we know

OpIndia Staff
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Amid Amritpal chase in India, ‘Referendum 2020’ takes place in Brisbane, Australia, here is what we know

On March 19 (local time), the scheduled voting for the so-called Referendum 2020 for a so-called separate Sikh Nation Khalistan took place in Brisbane, Australia. As per initial reports, the propaganda appeared to have failed as only a few hundred of the community members turned up to vote. The banned terrorist organisation, Sikhs For Justice, is conducting voting worldwide. Notably, the voting in Australia is happening amid a crackdown on pro-Khalistan Sikh leader Amritpal Singh in Punjab, India.

Recently, Indian Consulate was attacked in Brisbane by Khalistani supporters. They had chanted anti-Hindu slogans outside the consulate. There were reports that the consulate was forced to shut down, but the Ministry of External Affairs refuted it.

Low turnout for Referendum 2020 voting

Australia Today reported that the Khalistani propaganda at Brisbane failed miserably as Sikhs rejected the idea of Khalistan. Editor-in-chief of The Australia Today, Jitarth Jai Bharadwaj, was present on the ground to cover the so-called Referendum 2020 voting. “The Khalistani propagandists have gone quiet. Their lines have diminished. There are hardly around 100 people right behind me. The community in Queensland has shunned the idea of Khalistan. Shun their propaganda and extremist views,” he said in his report. SFJ has called Brisbane a “battlefield”.

Australian Hindu Media reported that by 12 PM local time, only several hundred people turned up for the “much-hyped” Brisbane Khalistan Referendum.

Crackdown on Amritpal Singh

On March 18, Punjab Police launched a massive crackdown on pro-Khalistan leader Amritpal Singh and his associates in Punjab. Security personnel from Central agencies, including CRPF in the state for the G20 summit, joined the operation with Punjab Police. The Police arrested 78 associates of Amritpal Singh during the operation, however, Singh was still on the run by the time this report was written. Punjab Police issued an advisory not to believe rumours on social media. Furthermore, internet services were shut in the state till March 19, 12 PM. Punjab Government imposed Section 144 in the state to ensure law and order. Amritpal Singh has been declared a fugitive by the state government.

Referendum 2020

The banned Khalistani organisation, Sikhs For Justice, is conducting so-called voting for Referendum 2020, demanding a so-called separate Sikh nation Khalistan. The last voting occurred on January 29, 2023, in Melbourne, Australia, where many Hindu protesters were injured after Khalistanis attacked them with batons, sharp weapons and fists. Amidst the rising Khalistani movement in Australia, several Hindu temples were attacked and pro-Khalistan, anti-India, anti-Hindu and anti-Modi slogans were written by Khalistanis on the walls of the temples. Hindu temples in UK and Canada were also attacked in recent times.

Amritpal Singh declared a ‘fugitive’ even as Punjab Police continues manhunt against pro-Khalistan outfit ‘Waris Punjab De’ chief

ANI
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Amritpal Singh declared a ‘fugitive’ even as Punjab Police continues manhunt against pro-Khalistan outfit ‘Waris Punjab De’ chief

Shortly after Amritpal Singh, the chief of pro-Khalistan outfit chief ‘Waris Punjab De’ was said to be on the run, Jalandhar Commissioner Kuldeep Singh Chahal on Saturday late evening confirmed that the radical leader had been declared a “fugitive”.

“Waris Punjab De’ chief Amritpal Singh has been declared a fugitive. His two cars were seized and gunmen nabbed. We also checked if the firearms of his security escorts had been procured legally. A case has been registered. Punjab Police have launched a manhunt for Amritpal Singh and we are hopeful that he will be arrested soon. A total of 78 people have been arrested so far and further searches and raids are underway,” Chahal said in an exclusive interview with ANI. Earlier on Saturday, Punjab Police launched a massive state-wide Cordon And Search Operation (CASO) in the state against elements of Waris Punjab De (WPD) against whom several criminal cases stand registered. 

During the operation, a total of 78 persons have been arrested so far, while, several others have been detained for questioning.

Sharing more details, the official spokesperson of Punjab Police said, “On Saturday afternoon, several activities of WPD were intercepted by the Police at the Shahkot-Malsian Road in Jalandhar district and seven persons were arrested on the spot. Several others including Amritpal Singh are on the run and a massive manhunt has been launched to nab them.” 

“During the statewide operation, nine weapons, including one .315 bore rifle, seven rifles of 12 bore, one revolver and 373 live cartridges of different calibres have been recovered so far,” said an officer. 

The spokesperson informed that WPD elements are involved in four criminal cases relating to spreading disharmony among classes, attempting to murder, attacking police persons and creating obstructions in the lawful discharge of duties of public servants. 

“Case FIR No. 39 dated 24-02-2023 stands registered against WPD elements for the attack on Ajnala Police Station,” he added. 
He said that all persons involved in criminal offences shall be dealt with in accordance with the law and all persons wanted by the police should offer themselves to the process of law. Their constitutional rights of legal defence shall be protected, he added. 
Meanwhile, the police requested all the citizens not to pay heed to fake news and rumours. 

“Situation in the state is completely stable. All persons indulging in mischievous activities for disturbing peace and harmony in the state shall be dealt with strictly,” the police said. 

Earlier in the day, mobile Internet services were also suspended in several districts of Punjab until 12 noon on Sunday. 

The police action came almost over three weeks after Amritpal’s supporters clashed with uniformed personnel at the Ajnala police station on the outskirts of Amritsar last month, demanding the release of one of Amritpal’s close aides, Lovepreet Toofan. 

On February 23, thousands of his supporters stormed the Ajnala police station, flashing swords and high-calibre firearms and threatening the police with dire consequences if they did not release Lovepreet Toofan, who was arrested for allegedly assaulting and abducting a man. 

The supporters, brandishing swords and guns, broke through police barricades erected outside the Ajnala police station. 

The police later said “in the light of the evidence presented”, it has been decided that Lovepreet Singh Toofan will be discharged. 

Lovepreet Singh was released from jail on February 24 following orders of a court in Ajnala on an application by the police. 

Reacting to the incident, chief minister Bhagwant Mann said that these “1000 people” don’t represent Punjab, and alleged that they are “funded by Pakistan” to disrupt peace in the state.

(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)

British Muslim man found guilty of terrorism, was found making bombs

ANI
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British Muslim man found guilty of terrorism, was found making bombs

A British Muslim from Surrey, a county in England, has been found guilty of terrorism offences, including possessing explosive substances, according to the statement released by Surrey police. 

According to the statement, the culprit was identified as Asad Bhatti of Holland Close, Redhill was arrested on the charges in January 2021, and a search was carried out at an address in Redhill. On Friday, the 47-year-old was found guilty of two counts of possessing an article for the purpose of terrorism. 

“Today (17/3), at the Old Bailey, the 47-year-old was found guilty of two counts of possessing an article for the purpose of terrorism, contrary to Section 57 of the Terrorism Act 2000 and three counts of making or possessing an explosive substance under suspicious circumstances contrary to Section 4 of the Explosive Substance Act,” the statement read. 

“Bhatti was investigated by officers from Counter Terrorism Policing South East (CTPSE) after he had taken his computer into a shop to be fixed and a member of staff found some concerning file titles which he reported,” the statement added. 

Further, in the statement, Surrey Police revealed that after the investigation by CTPSE, some documents were discovered suggesting whoever was using the device had an interest in explosives and making explosive devices. 

Following this discovery, Bhatti was arrested and a search was carried out at his home in Redhill and at a storage container he rented. 

According to the statement, the police found chemicals, chemistry equipment, electronic circuitry and even an improvised explosive device, which was dismantled by a specialist explosive ordnance disposal team in the storage unit. 

This device was not deemed to be functional due to some of the materials used. At his property, items including a USB stick containing guides to make explosive devices were seized. 

“Bhatti was also found to be in possession of manuals he compiled and wrote himself. He had spreadsheets and PowerPoint presentations on making explosives, shooting techniques and hand combat, along with manuals published by others on making explosives and combat. This resulted in a suspicion that the possession of all these documents was for a purpose connected with the commission, preparation or instigation of an act of terrorism,” the statement read. 

In the statement, Detective Chief Superintendent Olly Wright, Head of CTPSE, said: “The case against Bhatti was strong, I am glad the jury have found him guilty today.” 

“There was clear evidence of his extreme Islamist ideology and the danger he posed. He clearly hated those whom he considers do not follow his version of Islam, and he made a range of derogatory comments towards those he considers to be ‘unbelievers’,” he added. 

“I am especially grateful to the member of the public who recognised the risks and took steps to call the police. This allowed Counter Terrorism Policing to stop Bhatti’s progress in manufacturing explosive devices which could otherwise have caused significant harm to the public,” Wright said. 

Bhatti will be sentenced at the Old Bailey on April 25.

(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)

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