GUWAHATI: Assam police strengthened the security arrangement after Himanta Biswa Sarma received a threat because of the Assam government's actions against Khalistani separatist Amritpal Singh and his supporters.
As per the record, and the recorded calls received by multiple journalists, the speaker identifies himself as Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, one of the founders of the US-based separatist organisation Sikhs for Justice (SFJ). However, Assam Inspector General (Law & Order) Prasanta Kumar Bhuyan said that police have not yet ascertained how many such people have received these calls.
“This message is for Assam CM Himanta Sarma. Your government is harassing and torturing pro-Khalistan Sikhs in Assam and also torturing those who are in jail. Listen very carefully, CM Sarma. The fight is between pro-Khalistan Sikhs and the Indian regime and Modi. Sarma, do not fall prey to this violence. We are seeking the liberation of Punjab from Indian occupation through the peaceful democratic process of the Khalistan referendum. Sarma, if your government is going to torture and harass Sikhs, you will be held accountable…” says the speaker in the recorded call as per media reports.
The police have opened an investigation in accordance with the relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
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However, the caller alleged that pro-Khalistani workers were being tortured in the state.
On March 18, weeks after Amritpal Singh and his supporters assaulted the Ajnala police station, the authorities began to crack down on him and his outfit, "Waris Punjab De."
As per reports, he managed to dodge the crackdown in Jalandhar and escaped in different vehicles by changing his appearance at various times.
Punjab Police have detained a number of his accomplices in connection with criminal cases involving inciting dissent, assaulting and attempting to kill police officers, and interfering with the lawful performance of public officials' duties.
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