Internet Shutdown in Punjab: A major police operation is currently underway in Punjab aimed at Amritpal Singh, who is a supporter of Khalistan.
Singh has been declared a proclaimed offender, and the authorities are intensifying their manhunt throughout the state to locate him.
As of now, 78 individuals who are believed to be supporters of Amritpal have been taken into custody, and his financier and has also been arrested.
The police have seized 2 vehicles, 12 rifles, and a revolver so far. Additionally, the Punjab government has decided to suspend internet services throughout the state until noon on March 20th.
The Government of Punjab's Ministry of Home Affairs and Justice has announced the suspension of all mobile internet services, SMS services (excluding banking and mobile recharge), and mobile dongle services (excluding voice calls) within the jurisdiction of Punjab until 12:00 hours on March 20th for public safety reasons.
It has been reported that the driver of Amritpal Singh was arrested in Jalandhar, and it is suspected that Amritpal Singh may also be in the same location.
Consequently, the police have initiated a search operation throughout Jalandhar, checking vehicles and deploying personnel across the area.
Amritpal Singh, the leader of the "Waris Punjab De" organization, is accused of radicalizing young people in Punjab and inciting them to support the creation of a separate Khalistan nation.
The authorities began taking action against him yesterday i.e. March 18 afternoon. On February 23, Amritpal and his supporters reportedly attacked the Ajnala police station in Amritsar to free one of their associates, leading to a police response.
The police are now conducting searches and maintaining vigilance in border areas as part of their efforts.