Shimla, In the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, police are investigating a series of pro-Khalistan slogans, including “Khalistan Zindabad” and “Himachal Banega Khalistan,” that have recently appeared in the region. This development has led to the arrest of three individuals from Punjab and has sparked concerns about the resurgence of pro-Khalistan sentiment in the area.

According to Kashmir Media Service, the appearance of these slogans is not an isolated incident in Himachal Pradesh. Similar expressions of support for Khalistan, a movement advocating for a separate Sikh state, were reported last year when banners and graffiti were found on the outer boundary of the Himachal Pradesh Assembly in Dharamshala. Following the latest incident, a case has been registered under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the HP Open Places (Prevention of Disfigurement) Act, 1985.

The three individuals arrested for writing the pro-Khalistan graffiti near Mata Chintpurni Temple in Una district were identified as Phool Chand, Arjinder Singh, and Harry. They were apprehended in Jalandhar district of Punjab and brought to Chintpurni police station.

Further complicating the matter, a video surfaced online featuring Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, chief of the Sikhs For Justice, in which he was seen showing the graffiti. Pannun, in the video, also made comments regarding the 1984 anti-Sikh riots and the alleged involvement of Congress leaders. Based on the video, Pannun has been named as a co-accused and main conspirator in the case and has been booked under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).