Punjab on Thursday witnessed absolute anarchy when Pro Khalistan leader Amritpal Singh and his supporters attacked Ajnala Police station in the name of 'peaceful protest'. Waris Punjab De Chief Amritpal Singh's hundreds of followers clashed with the police and stormed Ajnala Police Station in the name of protest for the release of Lovepreet Singh. The Ajnala protest was supposed to be peaceful however, uncontrolled violence erupted, and almost 6 Police officials were injured along with an SP. After a full day of tension and violence, the Punjab Police bowed down to Amritpal Singh's demands and assured that Lovepreet Toofan will be released by them. on Friday, Lovepreet was indeed released from Police custody. Now, Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav on Friday in a media briefing gave an insight of what actually happened in Ajnala and why the Punjab Police did not retaliate against the attackers.
DGP Punjab said, "They had contacted local Police and raised doubts about the veracity of FIR. They were assured of a fair investigation. They had said they wanted to protest peacefully. Keeping in mind democratic traditions, peaceful protest was permitted....SSP Amritsar Rural informed that he was assured that they'd (protesters) stop wherever they are stopped. But the Police were attacked yesterday, sharp-edged weapons were used, and stones were pelted. The attack was done under the cover of Guru Granth Sahib and Palki Sahib. 6 Police persons were injured. Police worked with utmost restraint to maintain the dignity of Guru Granth Sahib. Attacking the Police under its cover was an act of cowardice."
"As far as yesterday's incident is concerned, appropriate action will be taken. Video footage is being analysed. International hockey player Jugraj Singh who was there was injured with 11 stitches. He was hit with sharp-edged weapons," added DGP Punjab Gaurav Yadav.
It is pertinent to mention here that Amritpal Singh denied using Shri Guru Granth Sahib as his shield saying that he was walking in front of the bus and not behind it. Going by video and reports, Amritpal entered when his supporters could not cross the barricading. Amritpal was accompanied by the holy form of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. Seeing this, the policemen also stopped. They tried to stop, but the policemen kept moving out of the way to avoid the sacrilege of Sri Guru Granth Sahib. After this, the supporters of Amritpal created a ruckus there. They entered the Ajnala police station with swords and guns.