Jailed Separatist Amritpal Singh Reaffirms Khalistan Stance After MP Oath

New Delhi: Sikh separatist leader Amritpal Singh has reiterated his support for Khalistan just a day after taking oath as a Member of Parliament in the Lok Sabha. Singh posted a statement on social media platform X, asserting that “dreaming of a Khalsa state is not a crime.”

His comments came in response to his mother’s recent statement claiming he does not support Khalistan and urging for his release from jail.

He emphasized the importance of the Khalistan movement, citing the sacrifices made by Sikhs for the cause.

Singh, who represents Khadoor Sahib in Punjab, along with Sheikh Abdul Rashid, alias ‘Engineer Rashid’ from Baramulla in Jammu and Kashmir, took oath on Friday, July 5. Both MPs were temporarily released from jail under custody parole to attend the parliament session.

The separatist leader is currently held under the National Security Act in Assam’s Dibrugarh jail.

Singh was arrested in April 2023 following a month-long manhunt. His arrest came after the February 2023 Ajnala incident, where his supporters clashed with police. He faces multiple criminal charges, including attempting to spread disharmony and obstructing law enforcement.

The Punjab Police initiated a crackdown on Singh and his associates, leading to their eventual arrest and detention under stringent security measures. Singh, who has drawn comparisons to Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, was apprehended in Moga’s Rode village.