Political tensions flared in Punjab's holy city as activists from the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and the pro-Khalistan group Waris Punjab De joined forces on the streets of Amritsar. Their unified demand was clear and forceful: the immediate and unconditional release of detained Sikh preacher and Waris Punjab De chief, Amritpal Singh.
A Converging Protest at the District Administrative Complex
The protest was strategically held outside the Amritsar district administrative complex, a symbolic seat of state power. Demonstrators gathered to voice their strong opposition to the continued detention of Amritpal Singh under the National Security Act (NSA). The atmosphere was charged as party workers and supporters raised slogans and held placards condemning the state government's actions.
The protest saw prominent participation from SAD leaders, including Amritsar (Urban) president Gurpartap Singh Tikka and senior leader Gurinder Singh Johal. They were joined by a contingent from Waris Punjab De, the organization founded by Amritpal Singh himself. This convergence of a mainstream regional party and a more radical socio-political group highlighted the widespread discontent over the issue.
Core Demands and Political Accusations
The leaders at the protest articulated a series of specific demands. Their primary call was for the Punjab government to revoke the NSA charges against Amritpal Singh and set him free. They framed his detention as an unjust and politically motivated act aimed at stifling dissent and targeting Sikh leadership.
In their statements, the SAD leaders launched a direct attack on the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government. They accused Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann of acting as a "remote-controlled puppet" of the central government, alleging that the state's autonomy was being undermined. The protestors claimed that the case against Amritpal was fabricated and that his imprisonment was a violation of democratic rights and freedom of expression.
The Backdrop: Amritpal Singh's Arrest and NSA Detention
The protest is rooted in events from early 2023. Amritpal Singh, who rose to prominence by advocating for Khalistan and modeling himself after militant leader Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, was arrested in April 2023 after a prolonged manhunt. The crackdown came following a dramatic police chase and incidents of violence, including the storming of a police station in Ajnala.
Following his arrest, both Amritpal Singh and several of his associates were detained under the stringent National Security Act. The NSA allows for preventive detention for up to 12 months without formal charges. The state government has defended its action, citing a threat to public order and national security. However, his supporters maintain he is a peaceful preacher and leader fighting for the rights of the Sikh community.
The Amritsar protest underscores the ongoing political and social friction in Punjab surrounding issues of identity, security, and justice. It signals that the demand for Amritpal Singh's release remains a potent mobilizing force for certain sections, capable of bringing together diverse political actors on a common platform. The state government's response to this continued pressure will be closely watched.
