National Security Act slapped on Khalistan sympathiser Amritpal Singh

The Punjab Police informed the Punjab and Haryana High Court on Tuesday that they have registered a case under sections of the National Security Act against Amritpal Singh, a supporter of the Khalistan movement. Singh had been absconding since a crackdown was launched against him on Saturday.

The police launched the crackdown against Singh and several other individuals suspected of promoting the Khalistan movement, which seeks to create a separate Sikh state in the Indian state of Punjab. The crackdown was conducted in several districts of Punjab, including Amritsar, Ludhiana, Jalandhar, and Tarn Taran.

Singh, a radical preacher, was among those targeted by the police. He was charged with inciting violence and spreading hatred against the Indian government. Despite efforts by the police to apprehend him, Singh had managed to evade arrest and remained on the run.

Following Singh's evasion, the police launched a search operation to locate him. They also registered a case under the NSA against him, a law that allows for preventive detention of individuals deemed to be a threat to national security.

The Punjab and Haryana High Court was informed of these developments during a hearing on Tuesday. The court had earlier directed the police to provide a status report on the case against Singh. The case has sparked controversy in Punjab, with some Sikh groups alleging that the police action is an attempt to suppress dissent and freedom of speech.