Defending its inaction against a sea of supporters of radical preacher Amritpal Singh, the Punjab Police on Friday said it acted with utmost restraint to maintain the dignity of the Guru Granth Sahib. On Thursday, supporters of pro-Khalistan Amritpal Singh, some of them brandishing swords and guns, broke barricades and barged into a police station at Ajnala on the outskirts of Amritsar city. Amritpal Singh’s close friend Lovepreet Singh released,
Talking about the Ajnala incident, Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav said, “SSP Amritsar Rural told that he was assured that the protesters would stop wherever they were stopped. But the police were attacked… Sharp weapons were used, stones were pelted. The attack was done under the cover of Guru Granth Sahib and Palki Sahib.”
He also said that six policemen were injured. Yadav said, “The police acted with utmost restraint to maintain the dignity of the Guru Granth Sahib. It was a cowardly act to attack under the guise of the police.”
“As far as yesterday’s incident is concerned, appropriate action will be taken. Video footage is being analysed. The SP has got 11 stitches. Five other police personnel are also injured. Their statement will be recorded and Further legal action will be taken.” ” He added.
Dubai-returned Amritpal Singh, who heads an organization called ‘Waris Punjab Day’, spoke to reporters at the police station on Thursday and issued an “ultimatum” for Lovepreet Singh’s release.
Earlier that day, Amritpal Singh’s supporters staged a protest in the middle of the road at the Dhilwan toll plaza in Kapurthala district after police stopped them from marching towards the Ajnala police station. But later the police allowed them to continue their march.
The protesters also brought a vehicle carrying a copy of “Guru Granth Sahib” to organize ‘Amrit Sanchar’ (a Sikh ceremony) at the police station.