Punjab on Thursday witnessed a full-anarchy when 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. Whatever might be the reason was, entire India was in shock and was asking why the Punjab Police did not retaliate against the attackers. Now, SP PBI Pathankot Harpal Singh Randhawa who was sent to Ajnala for emergency law and order duty told the media ground reports and revealed why the Police did not use their force. Randhawa stated that Amritpal Singh kept holy Guru Granth Sahib ji and was walking behind it and therefore the Police did not retaliate as it could have escalated the law and order situation of the state and peace would have been at stake.
While talking to the media, Harpal Randhawa said, "Today, by attacking unarmed police officers while holding Guru Granth Sahib Ji in front, these people have acted in a manner that is unbecoming of Sikhs. I do not consider them to be Sikhs. The policemen showed reverence for Guru Granth Sahib. They themselves got hurt but they didn’t retaliate. We had access to cannons and everything, but taking action would have been seen as a sign of disrespect towards Guru Granth Sahib. We took everything on ourselves but we didn’t do any harm to guru Granth sahib."
"I think this is very unfortunate for Punjab because who will invest in the state in this kind of situation? The police officers were unarmed. Check with my security person, if they have any weapons. As an SP, I only have this stick which I am allowed to carry as per regulations. One of my officers was injured in the face by a Kirpan. Some of the protestors had cut their hair and shaved their faces clean, but were still holding Guru Granth Sahib in their hands. Definitely, investigation is required if we want peace in Punjab," Randhawa added.
'Amritpal Singh kept Guru Granth Sahib': Punjab Police explains why they didn't retaliate#amritpalsingh #warispunjabde #khalistan #AJNALA #amritsar #truescoopnews pic.twitter.com/rLoNqJiNud
— True Scoop (@TrueScoopNews) February 24, 2023
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.
Amrtipal Singh's supporters storm Police Station swinging swords & guns despite his caution; Watch
Was it an attempt to disrupt Punjab's peace?
As per sources in the known development, Amritsar Dehat SSP Satinder Pal Singh tried his best to keep the situation under control. However, it looked like Amritpal Singh and his followers came in well-planned. And if the Police have retaliated, then the peace of State would have been disrupted and another Bargari-like sacrilege would have taken place.