NAKODAR
Khalistan leader Amritpal Singh has been maintaining close links with the Pakistani intelligence agency ISI and terrorist groups based in foreign countries said DIG Jalandhar range Swapan Sharma.
Sharma told media persons here on Sunday that Amritpal Singh is still on the run from the Punjab police and the police are closing in on him and a search is on to trace him.
He said that cops have seized a huge cache of arms and ammunition from his aides who were arrested yesterday. The police chased Amritpal Singh for some 15-16 km, said the top cop leading the massive search operation against the Khalistani leader. "We had decided not to use lethal force in this operation. Have successfully arrested 78 associates of Amritpal. We chased him for 16-17 km. He took cover in a crowded place," said DIG.
Police have so far arrested 7 associates of Amritpal Singh, while several members of his outfit 'Waris Punjab De' have been detained for questioning. Daljeet Singh Kalsi, who handles the Khalistani leader's finance, has also been arrested this morning.
Four of his top arrested aides have been flown to Dibrugarh in upper Assam by a special aircraft.
Sharma said that Amritpal Singh's car has also been seized by the police. Several dozens of live cartridges were found inside the vehicle.
DIG said a special team of the state police, comprising personnel from seven districts, had followed the Khalistani leader's convoy while he was on his way to Shahkot tehsil yesterday. The radical preacher, who claims to be a follower of terrorist Bhindranwale, managed to escape the police's dragnet on a motorcycle.
Swapan said authorities stepped up security at several places after his aides shared some videos on social media claiming that policemen were chasing them and urged his supporters to gather at Shahkot. The state’s internet suspension will continue till Monday noon to prevent the spread of misinformation and rumours through social media.
Amritpal Singh, who is often seen escorted by armed supporters, had been openly making statements about declaring secession from India and forming Khalistan.
The crackdown comes a month after Amritpal Singh, and his supporters broke into a police station with swords and guns for the release of one of his aides. Six police officials were injured in the clash.
DIG led a flag march by the police and paramilitary forces in Nakodar along with SSP Swarandeep Singh