Amritsar, March 20, 2023 (PPI-OT):Situation has gone from bad to worse in Sikh dominated states of Punjab and Haryana, as a manhunt for the prominent pro-Khalistan leader has entered its third day as authorities shut mobile internet in the whole of Punjab state and arrest more than 100 of his supporters. Amritpal Singh, 30, rose to prominence in recent months demanding the creation of Khalistan, a separate Sikh homeland, and with his interpretation of Sikhism at rallies in rural pockets of the western state of some 30 million people.

Last month, Singh and his supporters, armed with swords, knives and guns, raided a police station after one of his aides was arrested for alleged assault and attempted kidnapping. The brazen daytime raid on the outskirts of Amritsar – home to the holiest Sikh shrine, the Golden Temple – left several police injured and heaped pressure on authorities to act against Singh. Punjab police late said it “made [more] preventive arrests” of people “attempting to disturb law and order in Punjab”. Singh’s uncle and driver were among those arrested, Indian media reports said on Monday.

“Thirty-four arrests have been made today. A total of 112 persons have been arrested so far … and there is complete peace and harmony in the state,” it added. On Monday, there was a major police presence across Punjab, especially in rural pockets and around Singh’s village of Jallupur Khera, local media reported. Local media reports said a ban on mobile internet and short messaging service (SMS) has been extended across Punjab, with neighbouring Haryana state also on high alert.

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