In a controversial statement, former Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi on Thursday while voicing support for sikh separatist Amritpal Singh, who is currently detained in Assam’s Dibrugarh district under the National Security Act (NSA), raised major concerns, particularly given Amritpal Singh’s violent history and his association with the ‘Waris Punjab De’ outfit.
His statement which appears to downplay the gravity of Amritpal Singh’s actions and affiliations. has drawn criticism from various quarters. Defending Amritpal Singh, Channi stated, “He is an MP and the Centre is curbing his freedom of speech by jailing him under NSA… This too is emergency.”
Channi’s comments also reflect a recurring pattern within the Congress party of supporting narratives that challenge India’s integrity, unity and national security. The irony of Channi’s comparison to the Emergency is particularly stark.
Going back to the history of Indian politics, during the Emergency imposed by then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, fundamental rights were suspended, senior opposition leaders were arrested, and the country experienced one of its darkest chapters. Indira Gandhi cited a breakdown of law and order due to massive protests by opposition parties alleging corruption by the Congress regime.
Amritpal Singh, who emulates the late Sikh militant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, was arrested along with nine associates under the NSA. His arrest followed a violent incident on February 23 last year when he and his supporters stormed the Ajnala police station, breaking barricades, brandishing swords and guns, and clashing with police to free an aide from custody.
Earlier this month, Amritpal Singh was flown to Delhi on a four-day custody parole to take the oath as a member of parliament. This move itself sparked debate, highlighting the contentious nature of his political and militant activities.
Channi’s support for Amritpal Singh not only seems as an alarming endorsement of a figure linked to violent separatism but also undermines efforts to maintain law and order and combat terrorism.
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