In an attempt to crack down anti-India activities, the Punjab State Government has decided to launch an investigation into the pro-Khalistan activities of Amritpal Singh, President of Waris Punjab De (WPD) organisation launched by deceased actor Deep Sidhu in September 2021. Strong reactions came from the Punjab Government after Amritpal Singh addressed a gathering in Rode, the native village of extremist Sikh leader late Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale. Amritpal in his speech allegedly made multiple anti-India remarks and even appealed to the Sikh youths to 'fight for aazadi'. Not only this, but Amritpal's war-mongering speech also asked the gathering to fight against the 'Dilli hakumat' (Central government) as they are sending 'Bhaiyas' (derogatory term) from Bihar, UP, Uttarakhand, and Himachal in order to outnumber Sikhs in Punjab. Following Amritpal's anti-India speech, Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Cheema assured strict action would be taken against him.
Now, for those wondering who is Amritpal Singh that he has given an anti-India speech at a time when the Centre, as well as the State government, is serious against such activities can read below-
Who is Amritpal Singh, President of Waris Punjab De (WPD?
On September 29, 2022, Khalistani-supporter, 29-year-old Amritpal Singh became the President of 'Waris Punjab De'- an organization founded by late Punjabi actor Deep Sidhu that aimed to protect the rights of Punjab and raise social issues. Notably, Deep Sidhu who was also one of the accused in the 2021 Republic Day riots, died in a road accident on 15th February 2022. Interestingly, reports suggest that Deep Sidhu's family has distanced itself from the new president Amritpal Singh who is known for openly endorsing Khalistan and slain Khalistani Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale.
Notably, Amritpal Singh took charge as the President of the 'Waris Punjab De' organization on Thursday in a ‘Dastaarbandi’ ceremony held at Moga’s Rode which happens to be the native village of the slain Bhindranwale. For the unversed, Amritpal Singh was based in Dubai, however, he came back to Punjab months after Deep Sidhu’s death. To portray himself as his so-called 'inspiration', Amritpal also dresses like Bhindranwale and is accompanied by armed men. He will now be leading the organization formed by late actor Deep Sidhu.
Amritpal Singh's anti-national speech
After taking charge as the President, Amritpal in his address clearly stated that Bhindrawale is his inspiration and he will follow his path. ' I want to be like him because that’s what every Sikh wants, but I am not copying him. I am not even equal to the dust of his feet,' Amritpal had said. Continuing his anti-India speech, he urged the Sikhs to fight for freedom and start a battle against the 'Hukumat' (government). "We have to fight for freedom. Our waters are being looted, our Guru is being disrespected. The entire youth of Punjab should be ready to give up their lives for the sect. People like Sidhu, who was on Guru’s duty, can never die in accidents. We know how he died, who killed him," said Amritpal Singh. Amritpal in his speech also sparked a row by urging the Sikhs to attack people coming from UP, Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand who smoke and chew tobacco on the 'Sikg Guru' land.
Punjab government on Amritpal Singh
After Amritpal Sing spilled venom from Bhindravale's native village, Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Cheema stated that the government will not let the peace of the state get disturbed. Called Amritpal Singh a 'threat to India', Cheema assured that the Punjab government will initiate legal action against the President of Waris Punjab De. Sukhjinder Randhawa, former deputy CM of Punjab also appealed to the AAP government to initiate action against Amritpal and stated that a threat is also upon leaders like Prakash Badal, Captain Amarinder, and Sukhbir Badal. Randhawa also sensed Pakistan's angle in Amritpal Singh's case.