Security beefed up in Punjab’s Bathinda amid Amritpal Singh's rumoured call for Baisakhi congregation

Police have beefed up security arrangements in Bathinda ahead of Baisakhi festival after an unverified video of fugitive Khalistani preacher Amritpal Singh surfaced. The ‘Waris Punjab De’ chief allegedly urges his supporters to spread the word around for a big gathering on Baisakhi to discuss issues faced by Sikh community. 

The security arrangement is a positive message that the situation in the state is normal, Punjab Additional Director General of Police, Surinder Pal Singh Parmar has asserted. 

"We have made elaborate security arrangements. We are here for the convenience of people. We want more and more people to visit the state on Baisakhi. It will send out a positive message that the situation is normal in Punjab. No restrictions have been imposed," ADGP Parmar said ahead of Baisakhi celebrations on April 14. 

Amritpal had earlier appeared in a fresh video saying he was not “a fugitive” and would soon “appear in front of the world”. Those who think he ran away or has left his friends shout “get that thing” out of their minds, Amritpal had added in the video.

“Soon I will appear in front of the world. I`m not the kind of person who will go abroad and put out videos. Many people had said that I got my hair cut. Before getting the hair cut, I will get my head cut," Amritpal had said.

Earlier on April 2, Punjab Deputy Commissioner of Police, Law and Order, Parminder Singh Bhandal had responded to speculation that Amritpal was likely to surrender at the Golden Temple in Amritsar. Bhandal had said that they will help the Khalistan leader do so in accordance with the law if he wants to surrender.

“We are working continuously for the safety and security of the people in Amritsar. Right now, we are more focused on the management of traffic as Baisakhi is around the corner. If Amritpal wants to surrender, we will do our bit according to the law," DCP Bhandal had said.

Amritpal slipped away from Punjab Police when it launched its crackdown on March 18 and intercepted his cavalcade near Jalandhar. A massive manhunt is ongoing with the radical preacher declared fugitive by the police. 

(Inputs from ANI)