Union Home Minister Amit Shah stated that there is no Khalistani wave in Punjab and that the state and central governments have done an excellent job in dealing with the situation. He made these comments in response to questions about Amritpal Singh, a fugitive Khalistani separatist who is currently on the run.
Speaking at the Karnataka Roundtable 2023, Amit Shah said that the BJP government would not tolerate any attacks on Indian consulates and added that the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has been made capable enough to investigate any conspiracy against India on foreign soil.
Amit Shah's comments come in the wake of violent protests by Khalistani supporters outside the Indian High Commission in London on March 19, where they demonstrated with flags and posters of Amritpal Singh, calling for his release. The posters featured Singh's photo and read "FreeAmritpalSingh, WeWantJustice, WeStandWithAmritpalSingh."
Amritpal Singh's wife Kirandeeep sent back home from Amritsar airport after hours of questioning
The Delhi Police subsequently registered a case in connection with the protest, and India summoned the British deputy high commissioner, demanding an explanation for the "absence of security." The NIA will now take over the case from the special cell of the Delhi Police.
When asked about Amritpal Singh's whereabouts and the supposed Khalistani wave in Punjab, Amit Shah said that the government is doing its job and that no one can attack India's unity and sovereignty. He also added that they are monitoring the situation closely and that Amritpal Singh's activities have been curtailed significantly.
Police launched a major crackdown last month against Amritpal and the members of his outfit, 'Waris Punjab De.' The Khalistani sympathizer managed to evade the police in Jalandhar district on March 18 by switching vehicles and changing appearances. He and his associates have been booked in several criminal cases related to spreading disharmony among classes, attempt to murder, attack on police personnel, and creating obstructions in the lawful discharge of duty by public servants.