Parents of jailed Khalistani leader Amritpal allege obstacles in election campaign

Tarsem Singh and Balwinder Kaur, parents of Khalistani separatist Amritpal Singh, head of Waris Punjab De and a contender for the Khadoor Sahib seat, have accused both the Centre and the state government of impeding his electoral campaign.

The concerned parents revealed today that WhatsApp groups designated for canvassing across nine segments of Khadoor Sahib had been blocked. Additionally, they claimed that authorities had taken measures such as blocking their social media accounts and potentially creating hurdles in Amritpal’s nomination process.

Amritpal Singh, currently incarcerated in Dibrugarh jail, Assam, along with nine other detainees under the National Security Act, plans to submit his nomination papers as an Independent candidate.

Expressing their plea to the Election Commission, Tarsem Singh emphasized, “We seek an equitable opportunity to participate in the Lok Sabha election. The details of all charges against Amritpal should be disclosed to the public.”

Paramjit Kaur Khalra, overseeing Amritpal’s campaign, lamented that two pages of the Khalra Mission Organisation had also been blocked. “Our ‘X’ account has been restricted, and our Facebook page has been diverted. These tactics are clearly aimed at obstructing our campaign efforts,” Khalra stated.

On February 16, 2023: Ajnala police filed charges against Amritpal and his associates for the alleged kidnapping and assault of Varinder Singh from Chamkaur Sahib. On February 22: Division B police booked Amritpal for inciting hatred, while Baghapurana police also charged him with sowing discord among social classes.On February 24: Ajnala police accused Amritpal and his armed followers of attempted murder and assaulting police officers following an incident at the Ajnala police station. On March 18: Khalchian police registered a case against Amritpal and his associates under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Arms Act.

On March 19: Jalandhar police booked Amritpal and seven of his aides for possessing illegal firearms and reckless driving.
The allegations made by Amritpal Singh’s parents and campaign officials underscore a contentious atmosphere surrounding his bid for the Khadoor Sahib seat, with demands for intervention to ensure a fair electoral process.