Amid reports that radical preacher and Waris Punjab De chief Amritpal Singh has escaped to Nepal, the Department of Immigration (DoI) of the Nepal Government has alerted its offices, particularly airports, to prevent the fugitive from fleeing the country.
The Indian Embassy wrote to Nepal authorities on Monday seeking the DoI's help in stopping Khalistan separatist Amritpal Singh from escaping to a third country, Kathmandu-based The Himalayan quoted DG Jhalak Ram Adhikari.
The report added that the Indian Embassy provided the photograph and other details of Amritpal Singh to Nepal authorities. The Embassy also flagged Nepali authorities that Amritpal Singh could flee to a third country using his own passport or a fake passport.
Adhikari added that all passengers who wanted to go abroad using Nepal's airport would be screened and people like Singh who were under the DoI's surveillance cannot flee.
The official also confirmed to the ANI that they have included Amritpal Singh on the watchlist. "They have warned us that he might use a fake passport to enter Nepal and attempt to fly out. He might be hiding somewhere here in Nepal as well. No one is sure about Amritpal whereabouts. But as per the request we have informed all the concerned departments and authorities," Adhikari added.
Singh, who is said to be possessing multiple passports with different identities, has been on the run since March 18. The elusive preacher gave the police the slip and escaped their dragnet when his cavalcade was intercepted in Punjab's Jalandhar district.
Akal Takth's ultimatum
Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Harpeet Singh has issued a a 24-hour ultimatum to the state government to release all Sikh youths detained during the police crackdown against radical preacher Amritpal Singh.
The highest seat of authority for the Sikhs, the Akal Takht has also questioned the invoking of National Security Act against a few persons during the crackdown.
"There are lakhs who demand Hindu rashtra. Those who are calling for Hindu Rashtra should also be booked .They should also be booked under NSA," the Jathedar asked.
Stating that the Akal Takht will take up this matter across the country and the world after Baisakhi, he alleged that certain news channels were defamed Sikhs. He accused the media of setting a "narrative" through probe agencies and news channels. "The hate propaganda done by news channels. we must book the news channels. Are we terrorists?" he asked.
The Jathedar said it would extend all help to the "innocent Sikhs" arrested in this matter. He also asked the police to release the impounded vehicles of the Sikhs.
The Akal Takht has also convened a special gathering of Sikh organizations, including intellectuals, Sikh lawyers, journalists, religious and social leaders here to discuss the current situation in Punjab.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said he asked the director general of police to release those who were taken into preventive custody. He, however, said that strict action will be taken against whosoever tries to disturb peace in the state.
Punjab Police Sunday said it released 197 persons out of total 353 taken into preventive custody on apprehension of breach of peace and disturbance of law and order.