Shimla, Pro-Khalistan slogans have emerged in Himachal Pradesh, India, leading to a police investigation and the subsequent arrest of three individuals. The slogans, which included “Khalistan Zindabad” and “Himachal Banega Khalistan,” have sparked concerns regarding the promotion of separatist sentiments in the region.

According to Kashmir Media Service, this incident is not the first of its kind in Himachal Pradesh. Previously, on May 7 last year, similar pro-Khalistan banners and graffiti appeared on the outer boundary of the Himachal Pradesh Assembly in Dharamshala. In response to the latest occurrence, police have registered a case under sections 153-A and 153-B of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and section 3 of the HP Open Places (Prevention of Disfigurement) Act, 1985.

The three individuals arrested in connection with the graffiti near Mata Chintpurni Temple in Himachal Pradesh’s Una district were apprehended in Dhesiya and Surja villages of Punjab’s Jalandhar district. The Superintendent of Police (SP) of Una confirmed their arrest and identified them as Phool Chand (26), Arjinder Singh (28), and Harry (21).

Furthermore, a video featuring Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, chief of the Sikhs For Justice, surfaced online, showing him beside the graffiti and making statements against Congress leaders allegedly involved in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. Based on this video clip, Pannun has been named as a co-accused and main conspirator in the case, and booked under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

The appearance of these slogans and the resulting legal actions highlight the ongoing sensitivities and complexities surrounding the issue of Khalistan and separatist movements in India.