Crackdown on Amritpal Singh: Internet services suspended in Punjab, top updates

Internet services were suspended across the state of Punjab on Saturday and the suspension will remain in force till Sunday, officials confirmed. Punjab Police has launched action against Khalistani sympathiser and Waris Punjab De chief Amritpal Singh and his aides, news agencies reported.

In several districts of Punjab, mobile internet has also been suspended until 12 noon on Sunday. “All mobile internet services, all SMS services (except banking & mobile recharge) and all dongle services provided on mobile networks, except the voice call, in the territorial jurisdiction of Punjab shall be suspended from March 18, (12:00 hours) to March 19, (12:00 hours) in the interest of public safety," Department of Home Affairs and Justice, Government of Punjab, said.

Earlier, six aides of the radical preacher were detained by police in Jalandhar, Amritpal Singh’s supporters claimed as per PTI. There has been no confirmation by the police on these alleged detentions. Videos were shared by some 'Waris Punjab De' supporters on social media claiming that they were being chased by policemen. 

One video showed Amritpal Singh sitting in a vehicle while one of his aides is heard saying that policemen were after 'Bhai saab' (Amritpal), PTI reported. The reported action comes days after Amritpal Singh and his supporters stormed the Ajnala Police Station in Amritsar and clashed with the police. Some of them brandished weapons like swords and guns. They were demanding the release of an aide of Amritpal.

READ | Who is Amritpal Singh, radical preacher, Khalistan sympathiser and chief of Waris Punjab De?

(Inputs from ANI, PTI)