Amritpal Singh (activist) - Revision history

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← Older revision		Revision as of 12:08, 19 March 2023
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	=== Ajnala Clash ===		=== Ajnala Clash ===

	In February 2023, ~~Varinder Singh{{Who?\|date=February 2023}} made~~ a ~~complaint~~ in ~~the~~ Ajnala police station stating he was kidnapped and beaten by the associates of Amritpal Singh. An [[First information report\|FIR]] was registered against Amritpal Singh and six of his associates ~~at the Ajnala police station~~. The police arrested one of ~~Singh's~~ close associates, Lovepreet Singh Toofan.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Self-styled preacher and pro-Khalistani booked for theft by Punjab Police \|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2023/feb/18/self-styled-preacher-and-pro-khalistani-booked-for-theft-bypunjab-police-2548569.html \|access-date=2023-02-21 \|website=The New Indian Express}}</ref>		In February 2023, a man complained in an Ajnala police station stating he was kidnapped and beaten by the associates of Amritpal Singh. An [[First information report\|FIR]] was registered against Amritpal Singh and six of his associates. The police arrested one of his close associates, Lovepreet Singh Toofan.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Self-styled preacher and pro-Khalistani booked for theft by Punjab Police \|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2023/feb/18/self-styled-preacher-and-pro-khalistani-booked-for-theft-bypunjab-police-2548569.html \|access-date=2023-02-21 \|website=The New Indian Express}}</ref>

	After the arrest, Amritpal Singh issued an "ultimatum" to Punjab ~~police~~ to revoke the case and, when the police did not respond, ~~Singh's~~ supporters broke through police barricades as and stormed the police complex, armed with automatic guns and sharp weapons<ref>{{Cite news \|last=Vasudeva \|first=Vikas \|date=2023-02-23 \|title=Pro-Khalistan leader Amritpal Singh’s supporters attack police in Punjab’s Ajnala \|language=en-IN \|work=The Hindu \|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/pro-khalistan-leader-amritpal-singhs-supporters-attack-police-in-punjabs-ajnala/article66545817.ece \|access-date=2023-02-24 \|issn=0971-751X}}</ref><ref name=":0" /> Several police personnel were injured and police vehicles were damaged. According to Senior Superintendent of Police Satinder Singh, the police could not retaliate because the supporters of Amritpal Singh had styled their group like a ''[[Jatha]]'', carrying the [[Guru Granth Sahib]].<ref name=":0" />		After the arrest, Amritpal Singh issued an "ultimatum" to [[Punjab Police (India)\|Punjab Police]] to revoke the case and, when the police did not respond, his supporters broke through police barricades and stormed the police complex, armed with automatic guns and sharp weapons.<ref>{{Cite news \|last=Vasudeva \|first=Vikas \|date=2023-02-23 \|title=Pro-Khalistan leader Amritpal Singh’s supporters attack police in Punjab’s Ajnala \|language=en-IN \|work=The Hindu \|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/pro-khalistan-leader-amritpal-singhs-supporters-attack-police-in-punjabs-ajnala/article66545817.ece \|access-date=2023-02-24 \|issn=0971-751X}}</ref><ref name=":0" /> Several police personnel were injured and police vehicles were damaged. According to Senior Superintendent of Police Satinder Singh, the police could not retaliate because the supporters of Amritpal Singh had styled their group like a ''[[Jatha]]'', carrying the [[Guru Granth Sahib]].<ref name=":0" />

	Punjab police later released Lovepreet Singh after the court ordered his release based on the police's report.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Radical Preacher's Aide Lovepreet Singh Released From Amritsar Jail \|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/radical-preachers-aide-lovepreet-singh-released-from-amritsar-jail-3810970 \|access-date=2023-02-24 \|website=NDTV.com}}</ref><ref name=":5">{{Cite web \|date=2023-02-24 \|title='Khalistan shouldn't be seen as…': Amritpal Singh as Lovepreet Singh set to be released today \|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/khalistan-shouldn-t-be-seen-as-amritpal-singh-as-lovepreet-singh-set-to-be-released-today-101677225024364.html \|access-date=2023-02-24 \|website=Hindustan Times \|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|title=Preacher Amritpal Singh's aide Lovepreet released from Amritsar jail \|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/preacher-amritpal-singhs-aide-lovepreet-released-from-amritsar-jail/cid/1918671 \|access-date=2023-02-24 \|website=www.telegraphindia.com}}</ref>		Punjab police later released Lovepreet Singh after the court ordered his release based on the police report.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Radical Preacher's Aide Lovepreet Singh Released From Amritsar Jail \|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/radical-preachers-aide-lovepreet-singh-released-from-amritsar-jail-3810970 \|access-date=2023-02-24 \|website=NDTV.com}}</ref><ref name=":5">{{Cite web \|date=2023-02-24 \|title='Khalistan shouldn't be seen as…': Amritpal Singh as Lovepreet Singh set to be released today \|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/khalistan-shouldn-t-be-seen-as-amritpal-singh-as-lovepreet-singh-set-to-be-released-today-101677225024364.html \|access-date=2023-02-24 \|website=Hindustan Times \|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|title=Preacher Amritpal Singh's aide Lovepreet released from Amritsar jail \|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/preacher-amritpal-singhs-aide-lovepreet-released-from-amritsar-jail/cid/1918671 \|access-date=2023-02-24 \|website=www.telegraphindia.com}}</ref>

	In an interview to [[NDTV]] on 25 February 2023, Amritpal ~~Singh~~ alleged that the police filed a "false case" against ~~his aide~~ Lovepreet ~~Singh~~. As a result, he and hundreds of ~~"[https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/waris-punjab-de-deep-sidhu-amritpal-singh-8464095/~~ Waris Punjab De]" supporters went to meet the police at Ajnala where Lovepreet Singh was kept. He also said that the media is misleading people ~~in other parts of the country~~ about the Ajnala incident.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Ground Report: At Village Of Separatist Leader Who Challenged Punjab Government \|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/ground-report-at-village-of-separatist-leader-amritpal-singh-who-challenged-punjab-government-3814644 \|access-date=2023-02-26 \|website=NDTV.com}}</ref>		In an interview to [[NDTV]] on 25 February 2023, Amritpal alleged that the police filed a "false case" against Lovepreet. As a result, he and hundreds of Waris Punjab De supporters went to meet the police at Ajnala where Lovepreet Singh was kept. He also said that the media is misleading people about the Ajnala incident.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Ground Report: At Village Of Separatist Leader Who Challenged Punjab Government \|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/ground-report-at-village-of-separatist-leader-amritpal-singh-who-challenged-punjab-government-3814644 \|access-date=2023-02-26 \|website=NDTV.com}}</ref>

			===Arrest===

			On 18 March, the Punjab Police launched a crackdown against Waris Punjab De, arresting 78 persons and detaining several others for questioning. Amritpal Singh was reported to be absconding. Internet services in Punjab were suspended until 19 March.<ref>{{cite news\|url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/punjab/amritpal-evades-police-as-they-crack-down-on-waris-punjab-de-head-aides-6-associates-detained-489174\|title=Amritpal on the run as Punjab police launch crackdown against Khalistan sympathiser, his supporters\|publisher=Tribune India}}</ref>

	==Controversies==		==Controversies==
	In October 2022, in one of his speeches, Amritpal said, "Jesus who could not save himself, how he will save everyone else?" which was termed hate speech by members of the Christian community. The Christian community staged a four hours-long protest against Amritpal at PAP Chowk for his remarks about [[Jesus Christ]]. The protestors demanded that an [[First information report\|FIR]] should be lodged against him under 295A of the IPC ([[Indian Penal Code]]) for "hurting religious sentiments and attempting to aggravate communal divisions".<ref>{{cite web \|title=Christians demand arrest of Sikh activist Amritpal Singh, lodge protest at Jalandhar's PAP Chowk \|url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/punjab/christians-demand-arrest-of-sikh-activist-lodge-protest-at-pap-chowk-442222 \|website=Tribune News Service}}</ref><ref>{{cite web \|date=17 October 2022 \|title=Members of Christian community hold four-hour protest in Jalandhar \|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/others/members-of-christian-community-hold-four-hour-protest-in-jalandhar-101666001348308.html \|website=Hindustan Times}}</ref><ref>{{cite web \|date=18 October 2022 \|title=Christians protest against Sikh ‘preacher’ Amritpal Singh for ‘hurting religious sentiments’, urge govt to book him \|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/jalandhar/christians-protest-sikh-preacher-jalandhar-8214835/ \|website=The Indian Express}}</ref>		In October 2022, in one of his speeches, Amritpal said, "Jesus who could not save himself, how he will save everyone else?" which was termed hate speech by members of the Christian community. The Christian community staged a four hours-long protest against Amritpal at PAP Chowk for his remarks about [[Jesus Christ]]. The protestors demanded that an [[First information report\|FIR]] should be lodged against him under 295A of the IPC ([[Indian Penal Code]]) for "hurting religious sentiments and attempting to aggravate communal divisions".<ref>{{cite web \|title=Christians demand arrest of Sikh activist Amritpal Singh, lodge protest at Jalandhar's PAP Chowk \|url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/punjab/christians-demand-arrest-of-sikh-activist-lodge-protest-at-pap-chowk-442222 \|website=Tribune News Service}}</ref><ref>{{cite web \|date=17 October 2022 \|title=Members of Christian community hold four-hour protest in Jalandhar \|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/others/members-of-christian-community-hold-four-hour-protest-in-jalandhar-101666001348308.html \|website=Hindustan Times}}</ref><ref>{{cite web \|date=18 October 2022 \|title=Christians protest against Sikh ‘preacher’ Amritpal Singh for ‘hurting religious sentiments’, urge govt to book him \|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/jalandhar/christians-protest-sikh-preacher-jalandhar-8214835/ \|website=The Indian Express}}</ref>

	In October 2022, the president of [[Bharatiya Kisan Union]] [[Joginder Singh Ugrahan]] criticised Amritpal Singh saying, “He is just a Class XII pass out and has no experience with issues of farming and Punjab. The worst is that he is associated with a party which calls Shaheed [[Bhagat Singh]] a terrorist."<ref name=":4" />		In October 2022, the president of [[Bharatiya Kisan Union]] [[Joginder Singh Ugrahan]] criticised Amritpal Singh saying, “He is just a Class XII pass out and has no experience with issues of farming and Punjab. The worst is that he is associated with a [[Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar)\|party]] which calls Shaheed [[Bhagat Singh]] a terrorist."<ref name=":4" />

			On 2 October 2022, the president of the [[Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray)\|Shiv Sena (Uddhav Thackeray), Punjab]] youth wing held a press conference and urged the state government to arrest Amritpal for his "seditious activities". He accused Singh of styling himself like [[Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale]] and surrounding himself with armed men. He further added that Singh doesn't preach Sikhism and rallies for seccession of a Sikh state from India.<ref>{{cite web\|title=Govt must arrest radical speaker Amritpal Singh, demands Shiv Sena \|url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/amritsar/govt-must-arrest-radical-speaker-amritpal-demands-shiv-sena-437611 \|website=Tribune News Service}}</ref>

			On 7 October, the Twitter account of Amritpal was withheld in India for his remarks and pro-Khalistani tweets.<ref name=":1" /> The [[Ministry of Home Affairs (India)\|Ministry of Home Affairs]] also instructed the state government of Punjab to remain vigilant over his activities.<ref>{{cite web \|title=Amritpal Singh Twitter account suspended: Is government planning some big move against the Waris Punjab De Chief? \|url=https://www.truescoopnews.com/newsdetail/amritpal-twitter-account-suspended-is-government-planning-some-big-move-against-the-waris-punjab-de-chief \|website=True Scoop News}}</ref>

	~~On 2 October~~ 2022, ~~the president of the~~ [[~~Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray)\|Shiv Sena (Uddhav Thackeray), Punjab~~]] ~~youth wing held a press conference and urged the state government to arrest Amritpal for his "seditious activities"~~. He ~~accused Singh of styling himself like~~ [[~~Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale~~]] ~~and surrounding himself with armed men~~. ~~He further added that Singh doesn't preach Sikhism and rallies for succession~~ of a Sikh ~~state~~ from ~~India~~.<ref>{{~~cite web~~\|title=~~Govt must arrest radical speaker~~ Amritpal ~~Singh~~, ~~demands Shiv Sena~~ \|url=https://www.~~tribuneindia~~.com/news/~~amritsar/govt~~-~~must~~-~~arrest~~-~~radical~~-~~speaker~~-~~amritpal~~-~~demands~~-~~shiv~~-~~sena~~-~~437611~~ \|~~website~~=~~Tribune News Service~~}}</ref> ~~A few days after, on 7 October, his Twitter~~ account was ~~withheld~~ in India for his remarks and pro-Khalistani tweets.<ref name=":1" /> The [[Ministry of Home Affairs (India)\|Ministry of Home Affairs]] also instructed the state government to remain vigilant over the activities of Amritpal.<ref>{{~~cite web~~ \|title=~~Amritpal Singh Twitter~~ account suspended~~: Is government planning some big move against the Waris Punjab De Chief?~~ \|url=https://www.~~truescoopnews~~.com/~~newsdetail~~/~~amritpal~~-~~twitter~~-~~account~~-~~suspended~~-is-~~government~~-~~planning~~-~~some~~-~~big~~-~~move~~-~~against~~-~~the~~-~~waris-punjab~~-~~de-chief \|website~~=~~True Scoop News~~}}</ref>		In December 2022, Singh's social media account on [[Instagram]] was suspended. He had previous been banned from [[Twitter]]. Sikh groups pointed to a trend of social media bannings of Sikh activists by social media corporations due to pressure from the Indian government. Neither Instagram nor Twitter released their reasons for the bannings.<ref>{{Cite news \|date=28 December 2022 \|title=Amritpal Singh’s Instagram Suspended By The Government, Details Inside \|work=Dariya News \|url=https://www.5dariyanews.com/news/398903-Amritpal-Singhs-Instagram-Suspended-By-The-Government-Details-Inside \|access-date=13 January 2023}}</ref> His Instagram account was later restored, but suspended again in February 2023.<ref>{{Cite news \|date=25 February 2023 \|title=Punjab: After clash with police, Amritpal’s Instagram account suspended again \|work=Dariya News \|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/chandigarh-news/punjab-after-clash-with-police-amritpal-s-instagram-account-suspended-again-101677320963211.html \|access-date=18 March 2023}}</ref>

	In December 2022, Singh's social media account on [[Instagram]] was erased worldwide. He had previous been banned from [[Twitter]]. Sikh groups pointed to a trend of social media bannings of Sikh activists by social media corporations due to pressure from the Indian government. Neither Instagram nor Twitter released their reasons for the bannings.<ref>{{Cite news \|date=28 December 2022 \|title=Amritpal Singh’s Instagram Suspended By The Government, Details Inside \|work=Dariya News \|url=https://www.5dariyanews.com/news/398903-Amritpal-Singhs-Instagram-Suspended-By-The-Government-Details-Inside \|access-date=13 January 2023}}</ref>

	==References==		==References==

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{{Short description|Sikh leader of Waris Panjab De (born 17 January 1993)}}
{{pp|small=yes}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2022}}
{{Infobox officeholder
| name = Amritpal Singh Sandhu
| image = AmritpalSinghKhalsa.jpg
| caption = Singh in 2022
| office1 = 2nd [[Jathedar]] of Waris Panjab De
| predecessor1 = [[Deep Sidhu|Sandeep Singh Sidhu]]
| successor1 =
| birth_name =
| birth_date = 17 January 1993
| birth_place = Jallupur Khaira,<ref name="quint" /> [[Baba Bakala]], [[Amritsar district|Amritsar]], [[Punjab, India|Punjab]], India
| known_for = Anti-Drug, Anti-Delhi, [[Khalistan Movement |Khalistani Separatism]], Anti-Christian Missionaries and [[Amrit Sanskar|Amrit Parchar]] campaigns
| title =
| party =
}}

'''Amritpal Singh''' '''Sandhu'''<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mahajan |first=Anilesh S. |date=28 February 2023 |title=Amritpal Singh Sandhu: Punjab in panthic ferment |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india-today-insight/story/amritpal-singh-sandhu-punjab-in-panthic-ferment-2340785-2023-02-28 |access-date=2023-03-02 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Brar |first=Kamaldeep Singh |date=2022-10-08 |title=Preacher, ‘influencer’, ideologue: Meet Amritpal Singh, head of Waris Punjab De |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/amritsar/preacher-influencer-ideologue-meet-amritpal-singh-8196944/ |access-date=2023-03-02 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref> (born 17 January 1993)<ref>{{Cite web |last= |date=2023-02-24 |title=Amritsar unrest: Who are 'Waris Punjab De' Lovepreet Toofan and Amritpal Singh? |url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/amritsar-unrest-who-are-waris-punjab-de-lovepreet-toofan-and-amritpal-singh-11677228458047.html |access-date=2023-03-02 |website=Livemint |language=en |quote=Bhai Amritpal Singh Sandhu, who was born on 17 January 1993, is the second leader of the Punjabi-centric social organisation, Waris Panjab De.}}</ref> is a radical<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |title='Bhindranwale 2.0': Radical Khalistan Sympathiser Amritpal Singh Active In Punjab |url=https://www.ndtv.com/people/bhindranwale-2-0-radical-preacher-and-khalistan-sympathiser-amritpal-singh-very-active-in-punjab-3810442 |access-date=2023-02-24 |website=NDTV.com |quote=Often escorted by armed supporters and donning a flowing white 'chola' and a navy-blue turban, radical preacher and Khalistan sympathiser Amritpal Singh has been very active for some time in Punjab.}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Sethi |first=Chitleen K. |date=2023-02-23 |title=Radical activist Amritpal storms Ajnala police station with supporters, secures aide's release |url=https://theprint.in/india/radical-activist-amritpal-storms-ajnala-police-station-with-supporters-secures-aides-release/1394086/ |access-date=2023-02-24 |website=ThePrint |language=en-US}}</ref> self-styled<ref name="TH ajnala">{{Cite news |last=Vasudeva |first=Vikas |date=2023-02-23 |title=Pro-Khalistan leader Amritpal Singh’s supporters attack police in Punjab’s Ajnala |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/pro-khalistan-leader-amritpal-singhs-supporters-attack-police-in-punjabs-ajnala/article66545817.ece |access-date=2023-02-24 |issn=0971-751X |quote=Armed with swords, guns and sharp weapons, scores of supporters of the self-styled Sikh preacher and pro-Khalistan (sovereign state for Sikhs) propagator Amritpal Singh on Thursday indulged in a scuffle with Punjab police personnel, injuring a few in Amritsar’s Ajnala.}}</ref><ref name="Itoday B2.0">{{Cite web |title=Bhindranwale 2.0: Who is Khalistani separatist leader Amrit Pal Singh? |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/bhindranwale-20-who-is-khalistani-separatist-leader-amrit-pal-singh-2301841-2022-11-25 |access-date=2023-02-24 |website=India Today |language=en |quote=The self-styled chief of the separatist Khalistani pressure group - 'Waris Punjab De', Amrit Pal Singh, is trying to establish himself as Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale 2.0.}}</ref> Indian [[Khalistan movement|Khalistani]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-02-24 |title=As Amritpal Singh’s followers run amok, a brief history of the Khalistan movement |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/amritpal-singh-khalistan-movement-punjab-history-8465056/ |access-date=2023-02-24 |website=The Indian Express |language=en |quote=Openly pushing the separatist idea of Khalistan, Amritpal challenges the theory of nationalism, and draws parallels between the idea of Sikh sovereignty and Hindu Rashtra. He even dresses like Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, calling him his “inspiration”.}}</ref><ref name="TH ajnala" /><ref name="Itoday B2.0" /><ref name=":0" /> [[Separatism#Religious_separatism|separatist activist]] from Punjab, India. He heads an organisation called ''Waris Panjab De''.<ref name="quint">{{cite news |last=Menon |first=Aditya |title=Amritpal Singh: How a 29-Year-Old From Dubai Rose Dramatically in Sikh Politics |url=https://www.thequint.com/news/india/amritpal-singh-waris-punjab-de-sikhs-deep-sidhu-aap-bjp |access-date=9 November 2022 |work=The Quint |date=6 October 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Matharu |first=Sonal |date=2022-10-25 |title=Fiery orator, 'Bhindranwale 2.0' — who's Amritpal Singh, new 'head' of Deep Sidhu's Waris Punjab De |url=https://theprint.in/india/fiery-orator-bhindranwale-2-0-whos-amritpal-singh-new-head-of-deep-sidhus-waris-punjab-de/1180939/ |access-date=2023-03-02 |website=ThePrint |language=en-US}}</ref> He rose to prominence in September 2022 after he returned from [[Dubai]] to [[India]] to become the leader of the organisation after the death of its previous leader [[Deep Sidhu]] in a car accident but his position is disputed.

== Succession of Deep Sidhu ==
After the sudden death of [[Deep Sidhu]], a letter was published by ''Waris Panjab De'' on 4 March 2022 declaring Amritpal Singh as the organisation's leader.<ref>{{Cite web |date=15 February 2022 |title=Deep Sidhu, actor-activist accused in Red Fort violence, dies in car crash |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/punjabi-actor-activist-deep-sidhu-dies-in-road-accident-7775522/ |access-date=16 November 2022 |website=The Indian Express}}<br />- {{Cite web |last=Menon |first=Aditya |date=15 February 2022 |title=Deep Sidhu Dies in Accident: He Wanted Farmers Protest To Lead to Larger Change |url=https://www.thequint.com/news/india/deep-sidhu-dies-in-road-accident-sonepat-farmers-protest-punjab |access-date=16 November 2022 |website=TheQuint}}</ref> When Singh returned to [[Punjab, India|Punjab]] from [[Dubai]], an official inauguration ceremony was held on 29 September 2022 at Rode in [[Moga, Punjab|Moga]], the native village of the former Jathedar of [[Damdami Taksal]], [[Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Goyal |first=Divya |date=30 September 2022 |title=Khalistan on lips, Bhindranwale follower takes charge of Deep Sidhu's outfit, actor's kin say no link |work=Indian Express |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/ludhiana/khalistan-on-lips-bhindranwale-follower-takes-charge-of-deep-sidhus-outfit-8181410/ |access-date=9 November 2022}}</ref> He took [[Amrit Sanskar|Amrit]] in [[Anandpur Sahib]] after being elected.<ref name=":1">{{Cite news |date=8 October 2022 |title=Preacher, 'influencer', ideologue: Meet Amritpal Singh, head of Waris Punjab De |website=The Indian Express |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/amritsar/preacher-influencer-ideologue-meet-amritpal-singh-8196944/ |access-date=16 November 2022}}</ref> His succession is disputed by some aides of Sidhu and critics claim that he wasnt endorsed by Sidhu's family.<ref name="quint" /> Sidhu's brother stated that Sidhu blocked Amritpal's phone number for fifteen days in the past and that Singh's succession to the position was illegal.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=Service |first=Tribune News |title='Deep Sidhu disliked Amritpal Singh, blocked his phone' |url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/punjab/deep-sidhu-disliked-amritpal-blocked-his-phone-439160 |access-date=2023-02-10 |website=Tribuneindia News Service |language=en}}</ref>

== Activism ==
===Campaigning and Prachaar===
On 25 September 2022, he announced his presence in [[Punjab, India|Punjab]] and participated in the large gathering at holy city of [[Anandpur Sahib]]. Later on, he started his first phase of Punjab tour, Khalsa Vaheer which started from [[Akal Takht|Akal Takhat Sahib]], [[Amritsar]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=What Explains Amritpal Singh’s Mystifying Rise as the New Poster Boy of Radical Sikh Politics? |url=https://thewire.in/politics/amritpal-singh-radical-sikh-politics-rise |access-date=2023-02-15 |website=The Wire}}</ref>

In [[Sri Ganganagar|Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan]] in October 2022, Singh's first ''Amrit Parchaar'' campaign took place, where around 647 people took ''[[Amrita|Amrit]]'' (sanctified water) and became part of the [[Khalsa]] order. Next he started a '''Ghar Wapsi''<nowiki/>' (religious conversion) campaign where 927 Sikhs, Hindus and Christians in Anandpur Sahib took Amrit making headlines on newspapers, the Haryana Gurudwara Parbhandak Committee under the [[Government of Haryana|Haryana Government]] gave him support.<ref>{{Cite news |author=Jaskaran Singh|date=31 October 2022 |title=Haryana: HSGMC president praises Amritpal Singh for motivating youth to get initiated at Akal Takht |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/gurgaon/haryana-hsgmc-president-praises-amritpal-singh-for-motivating-youth-to-get-initiated-at-akal-takht/articleshow/95211100.cms |access-date=16 November 2022 |website=The Times of India}}</ref> Afterwards he held another large ''Amrit Parchaar'' campaign in [[Amritsar]] where 1,027 Sikhs and Hindus from across [[Indian subcontinent|India]] took ''Amrit'' to became Khalsa Sikhs.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Matharu |first=Sonal |date=25 October 2022 |title=Fiery orator, 'Bhindranwale 2.0' — who's Amritpal Singh, new 'head' of Deep Sidhu's Waris Punjab De |url=https://theprint.in/india/fiery-orator-bhindranwale-2-0-whos-amritpal-singh-new-head-of-deep-sidhus-waris-punjab-de/1180939/ |access-date=16 November 2022 |website=The Print }}</ref>

On 23 November, the 'Waris Punjab de' organization started a "Khalsa Vehir" campaign.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/amritsar/khalsa-vehir-march-from-akal-takht-to-kesgarh-sahib-begin-454141|title=‘Khalsa Vehir’ march from Akal Takht to Kesgarh Sahib begin|access-date=23 Feb 2023|website=TribuneIndia}}</ref>
He also organized ''Amrit Sanchar'' and anti-drug campaigns.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Amritpal Singh: Amrit Sanchar to focus on 'de-addiction' of youth |url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/punjab/amrit-sanchar-to-focus-on-de-addiction-of-youth-445952 |access-date=16 November 2022 |website=Tribuneindia News Service}}</ref>

=== Khalistan and Bhindranwale styling ===
Amritpal openly supports the cause of [[Khalistan movement|Khalistan]], the [[Separatism|separatist]] movement calling for a separate homeland/country for people of [[Sikhism|Sikh]] faith. He has given several statements in which he openly rallies for Khalistan stating, "Our aim for Khalistan shouldn't be seen as evil and taboo. It should be seen from an intellectual point of view as to what could be its geopolitical benefits. It's an ideology and ideology never dies. We are not asking for it from Delhi". He further stated in a separate instance that the Khalistan sentiment will remain in the population and that no one can suppress it.<ref name=":5" /> He threatened Union Home Minister [[Amit Shah]], saying that he will meet the same fate as [[Indira Gandhi]] who was [[Assassination of Indira Gandhi|assassinated by her Sikh bodyguards in 1984]].<ref name=":6" />

Singh has stated in the past that Khalistani militant [[Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale]] is their hero.<ref name=":2" /> He also dresses and presents himself similar to Bhindranwale, who was killed in [[Operation Blue Star]] in 1984. This includes wearing a turban and robe similar to ones by Bhindranwale<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-02-24 |title=Amritpal Singh, the new face of fundamentalist fringe |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/chandigarh-news/amritpal-singh-the-new-face-of-fundamentalist-fringe-101677187180110.html |access-date=2023-02-25 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en |quote=Amritpal has invoked the teachings of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale --- who was killed on June 6, 1984 --- during Operation Bluestar, with renewed calls for the freedom of Punjab and the creation of Khalistan. He styles his turban, wears traditional robes and other Sikh articles just like the slain militant preacher.}}</ref> moving with heavily armed men around him.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bhindranwale 2.0: Who is Khalistani separatist leader Amrit Pal Singh? |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/bhindranwale-20-who-is-khalistani-separatist-leader-amrit-pal-singh-2301841-2022-11-25 |access-date=2023-02-25 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":6">{{Cite web |title=Punjab's Amritpal Singh aka 'Bhindranwale 2.0': Radical preacher and Khalistan sympathiser |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2023/feb/24/punjabs-amritpal-singh-akabhindranwale-20-radical-preacher-and-khalistan-sympathiser-2550541.html |access-date=2023-02-25 |website=The New Indian Express}}</ref> He also entered the [[Golden Temple]] with a group of armed men called ''Faujaan''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Khalistan sentiment will remain, you cannot suppress it, says separatist leader Amritpal Singh {{!}} Exclusive |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/khalistan-will-remain-you-cannot-supress-it-separatist-leader-amritpal-singh-2338911-2023-02-24 |access-date=2023-02-25 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref> His supporters also hail him as a second Bhindranwale.<ref name=":3" />

== Participation in violence ==
In November 2022, Sudhir Suri, a Shiv Sena Politician was murdered by Sandeep Singh Sunny, who allegedly had a Waris Punjab De sticker on his vehicle. Punjab Police placed Amritpal Singh under a preemptive house arrest briefly, as a precautionary measure in anticipation of retaliatory violence against him, although he had no prior connection with Suri nor with the murder. After being released from house arrest, Singh did an Amrit Parchaar campaign in Haryana.<ref>{{Cite web |date=6 November 2022 |title='Sikh preacher' Amritpal Singh briefly put under house arrest |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/ludhiana/sikh-preacher-amritpal-singh-briefly-put-under-house-arrest-8252122/ |access-date=16 November 2022 |website=The Indian Express}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=7 November 2022 |title=Day after house arrest, Sikh 'preacher' Amritpal allowed to leave for Haryana |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/ludhiana/day-after-house-arrest-sikh-preacher-amritpal-allowed-to-leave-for-haryana-8253604/ |access-date=16 November 2022 |website=The Indian Express}}</ref>

On 9 December 2022, Amritpal's supporters vandalised a gurudwara in Biharipura and then later on 13 December, vandalised a gurudwara in Jalandhar. They burned the chairs and sofas at these two gurudwaras claiming that one must not pray while sitting at the level of the [[Guru Granth Sahib]] at the gurudwara.<ref>{{cite news |date=13 December 2022 |title=Members of 'Waris Punjab De' burn chairs, sofas at Jalandhar gurdwara |work=Indian Express |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chandigarh/waris-punjab-de-members-jalandhar-gurdwara-burn-chairs-sofas-8322225/}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=10 December 2022 |title=Supporters of Amritpal create ruckus at gurdwara |work=The Tribune |url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/jalandhar/supporters-of-amritpal-create-ruckus-at-gurdwara-459557}}</ref>

=== Ajnala Clash ===

In February 2023, Varinder Singh{{Who?|date=February 2023}} made a complaint in the Ajnala police station stating he was kidnapped and beaten by the associates of Amritpal Singh. An [[First information report|FIR]] was registered against Amritpal Singh and six of his associates at the Ajnala police station. The police arrested one of Singh's close associates, Lovepreet Singh Toofan.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Self-styled preacher and pro-Khalistani booked for theft by Punjab Police |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2023/feb/18/self-styled-preacher-and-pro-khalistani-booked-for-theft-bypunjab-police-2548569.html |access-date=2023-02-21 |website=The New Indian Express}}</ref>

After the arrest, Amritpal Singh issued an "ultimatum" to Punjab police to revoke the case and, when the police did not respond, Singh's supporters broke through police barricades as and stormed the police complex, armed with automatic guns and sharp weapons<ref>{{Cite news |last=Vasudeva |first=Vikas |date=2023-02-23 |title=Pro-Khalistan leader Amritpal Singh’s supporters attack police in Punjab’s Ajnala |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/pro-khalistan-leader-amritpal-singhs-supporters-attack-police-in-punjabs-ajnala/article66545817.ece |access-date=2023-02-24 |issn=0971-751X}}</ref><ref name=":0" /> Several police personnel were injured and police vehicles were damaged. According to Senior Superintendent of Police Satinder Singh, the police could not retaliate because the supporters of Amritpal Singh had styled their group like a ''[[Jatha]]'', carrying the [[Guru Granth Sahib]].<ref name=":0" />

Punjab police later released Lovepreet Singh after the court ordered his release based on the police's report.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Radical Preacher's Aide Lovepreet Singh Released From Amritsar Jail |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/radical-preachers-aide-lovepreet-singh-released-from-amritsar-jail-3810970 |access-date=2023-02-24 |website=NDTV.com}}</ref><ref name=":5">{{Cite web |date=2023-02-24 |title='Khalistan shouldn't be seen as…': Amritpal Singh as Lovepreet Singh set to be released today |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/khalistan-shouldn-t-be-seen-as-amritpal-singh-as-lovepreet-singh-set-to-be-released-today-101677225024364.html |access-date=2023-02-24 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Preacher Amritpal Singh's aide Lovepreet released from Amritsar jail |url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/preacher-amritpal-singhs-aide-lovepreet-released-from-amritsar-jail/cid/1918671 |access-date=2023-02-24 |website=www.telegraphindia.com}}</ref>

In an interview to [[NDTV]] on 25 February 2023, Amritpal Singh alleged that the police filed a "false case" against his aide Lovepreet Singh. As a result, he and hundreds of "[https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/waris-punjab-de-deep-sidhu-amritpal-singh-8464095/ Waris Punjab De]" supporters went to meet the police at Ajnala where Lovepreet Singh was kept. He also said that the media is misleading people in other parts of the country about the Ajnala incident.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ground Report: At Village Of Separatist Leader Who Challenged Punjab Government |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/ground-report-at-village-of-separatist-leader-amritpal-singh-who-challenged-punjab-government-3814644 |access-date=2023-02-26 |website=NDTV.com}}</ref>

==Controversies==
In October 2022, in one of his speeches, Amritpal said, "Jesus who could not save himself, how he will save everyone else?" which was termed hate speech by members of the Christian community. The Christian community staged a four hours-long protest against Amritpal at PAP Chowk for his remarks about [[Jesus Christ]]. The protestors demanded that an [[First information report|FIR]] should be lodged against him under 295A of the IPC ([[Indian Penal Code]]) for "hurting religious sentiments and attempting to aggravate communal divisions".<ref>{{cite web |title=Christians demand arrest of Sikh activist Amritpal Singh, lodge protest at Jalandhar's PAP Chowk |url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/punjab/christians-demand-arrest-of-sikh-activist-lodge-protest-at-pap-chowk-442222 |website=Tribune News Service}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=17 October 2022 |title=Members of Christian community hold four-hour protest in Jalandhar |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/others/members-of-christian-community-hold-four-hour-protest-in-jalandhar-101666001348308.html |website=Hindustan Times}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=18 October 2022 |title=Christians protest against Sikh ‘preacher’ Amritpal Singh for ‘hurting religious sentiments’, urge govt to book him |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/jalandhar/christians-protest-sikh-preacher-jalandhar-8214835/ |website=The Indian Express}}</ref>

In October 2022, the president of [[Bharatiya Kisan Union]] [[Joginder Singh Ugrahan]] criticised Amritpal Singh saying, “He is just a Class XII pass out and has no experience with issues of farming and Punjab. The worst is that he is associated with a party which calls Shaheed [[Bhagat Singh]] a terrorist."<ref name=":4" />

On 2 October 2022, the president of the [[Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray)|Shiv Sena (Uddhav Thackeray), Punjab]] youth wing held a press conference and urged the state government to arrest Amritpal for his "seditious activities". He accused Singh of styling himself like [[Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale]] and surrounding himself with armed men. He further added that Singh doesn't preach Sikhism and rallies for succession of a Sikh state from India.<ref>{{cite web|title=Govt must arrest radical speaker Amritpal Singh, demands Shiv Sena |url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/amritsar/govt-must-arrest-radical-speaker-amritpal-demands-shiv-sena-437611 |website=Tribune News Service}}</ref> A few days after, on 7 October, his Twitter account was withheld in India for his remarks and pro-Khalistani tweets.<ref name=":1" /> The [[Ministry of Home Affairs (India)|Ministry of Home Affairs]] also instructed the state government to remain vigilant over the activities of Amritpal.<ref>{{cite web |title=Amritpal Singh Twitter account suspended: Is government planning some big move against the Waris Punjab De Chief? |url=https://www.truescoopnews.com/newsdetail/amritpal-twitter-account-suspended-is-government-planning-some-big-move-against-the-waris-punjab-de-chief |website=True Scoop News}}</ref>

In December 2022, Singh's social media account on [[Instagram]] was erased worldwide. He had previous been banned from [[Twitter]]. Sikh groups pointed to a trend of social media bannings of Sikh activists by social media corporations due to pressure from the Indian government. Neither Instagram nor Twitter released their reasons for the bannings.<ref>{{Cite news |date=28 December 2022 |title=Amritpal Singh’s Instagram Suspended By The Government, Details Inside |work=Dariya News |url=https://www.5dariyanews.com/news/398903-Amritpal-Singhs-Instagram-Suspended-By-The-Government-Details-Inside |access-date=13 January 2023}}</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Singh, Amritpal}}
[[Category:1993 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:People from Amritsar district]]
[[Category:Khalistan movement people]]