New Delhi – In a significant development concerning national security, Punjab Police have taken swift action following allegations of a pro-Khalistan assassination plot against prominent political figures. Two individuals, including a juvenile, have been rounded up in Moga after Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu claimed that supporters of jailed MP Amritpal Singh were plotting to assassinate him and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
Details of the Pro-Khalistan Assassination Plot
The pro-Khalistan assassination plot came to light when screenshots from a WhatsApp group named ‘Waris Punjab De Akali Dal Moga‘ were leaked and circulated on social media platforms on Sunday. According to authorities, the group’s members, who are supporters of pro-Khalistan radical leader Amritpal Singh, were expressing anger over the extension of their leader’s detention under the National Security Act (NSA) for another year.
“The members of this pro-Khalistan assassination plot WhatsApp group were discussing explicit plans to target high-profile politicians,” confirmed Deputy Inspector General (Faridkot Range) Ashwani Kapoor. “The group was deleted shortly after its screenshots went viral, but we have secured evidence of the conversations.”
The pro-Khalistan assassination plot allegedly targeted not only Union Minister Bittu and Home Minister Shah but also senior Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia, who has been vocal in his criticism of Amritpal Singh.
Police Investigation and Arrests
Acting on the information about the pro-Khalistan assassination plot, Moga Police quickly registered an FIR under multiple sections of the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), and the Information Technology Act at the Cybercrime police station.
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“We have identified three suspects involved in the pro-Khalistan assassination plot discussions, and two have been rounded up so far,” DIG Kapoor stated. “One suspect is Balkar Singh from New Model Town in Khanna, while the other claims to be a 17-year-old resident of Moga.”
Authorities are working to identify all 25-30 individuals who were part of the WhatsApp group discussing the pro-Khalistan assassination plot. “Some members were actively volunteering to execute the plans,” the DIG added. “The group’s administrator is yet to be identified, but all identified suspects are supporters of Amritpal Singh who were enraged over his NSA detention being extended.”
Political Reactions to the Pro-Khalistan Assassination Plot
Senior Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia, who was also reportedly targeted in the pro-Khalistan assassination plot, has demanded the immediate arrest of all members of the WhatsApp group and called for an investigation by the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
Majithia released additional screenshots from the pro-Khalistan assassination plot conversations, which purportedly show group members discussing whether their families would be cared for if they carried out the assassinations and became “martyrs” for the cause.
“The pro-Khalistan assassination plot demonstrates the dangerous radicalization taking place,” Majithia stated. “I opposed Amritpal on principles, especially when he used the Guru Granth Sahib as a shield during the Ajnala police station incident in 2023. This is why I am being targeted now.”
Majithia also shared an audio clip allegedly from the group in which a woman can be heard instigating members to take action in furtherance of the pro-Khalistan assassination plot.
Connection to Amritpal Singh and Waris Punjab De
The pro-Khalistan assassination plot is directly linked to supporters of Amritpal Singh, who is currently incarcerated in Assam’s Dibrugarh jail under the National Security Act. The 32-year-old leader of ‘Waris Punjab De’ was arrested on April 23, 2023, in Moga’s Rode village following a month-long manhunt.
Amritpal Singh, who styled himself after slain Khalistani militant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, has been a polarizing figure in Punjab politics. His detention under the NSA was recently extended for another year, which apparently triggered the pro-Khalistan assassination plot discussions among his supporters.
Majithia has characterized Amritpal as a “dhongi” (hypocrite) rather than a genuine “pracharak” (preacher), claiming that the Khadoor Sahib MP and his family had historically supported the Congress party. This political context adds another dimension to the pro-Khalistan assassination plot investigation.
Security Implications of the Pro-Khalistan Assassination Plot
The pro-Khalistan assassination plot raises serious concerns about the resurgence of extremist ideologies in Punjab, a state that experienced widespread terrorism in the 1980s and early 1990s during the height of the Khalistan movement.
Security experts note that the pro-Khalistan assassination plot, even if at a nascent stage, represents a dangerous trend of radicalization among certain sections of society. The targeting of high-profile politicians from different parties indicates that the motivation might be ideological rather than partisan.
“The pro-Khalistan assassination plot discussions demonstrate how social media platforms can be misused to coordinate potentially violent activities,” a senior police official noted. “We are treating this matter with the seriousness it deserves, given the high-profile nature of the targets.”
Ongoing Investigation
The investigation into the pro-Khalistan assassination plot continues as authorities work to identify all individuals involved in the WhatsApp group discussions. Punjab Police have indicated that they expect to make more arrests in the coming days.
“We are meticulously examining all available evidence related to the pro-Khalistan assassination plot,” DIG Kapoor stated. “This includes digital forensics of the deleted WhatsApp group content and tracing the connections between the identified suspects.”
Security has reportedly been enhanced for the politicians mentioned in the pro-Khalistan assassination plot, though officials have not disclosed specific details of the security arrangements.
Looking Forward
The pro-Khalistan assassination plot investigation highlights the ongoing challenges of religious extremism and separatist sentiments in certain pockets of Punjab. As authorities continue their investigation, the case serves as a reminder of the potential for radicalization through social media platforms and the importance of vigilance in monitoring extremist activities.
The coming days will be crucial in determining the full extent of the pro-Khalistan assassination plot and whether it represented a serious threat or merely inflammatory rhetoric among frustrated supporters of Amritpal Singh.
Final Word
The unfolding pro-Khalistan assassination plot has sent ripples through both national security frameworks and the political landscape of Punjab. With investigators now expanding their probe into potential overseas links and funding channels, it’s becoming increasingly evident that this conspiracy may be part of a broader, more coordinated agenda. Intelligence agencies are reportedly tracking digital communications and social media activities that hint at cross-border involvement and influence.
This case has reignited conversations around the resurgence of separatist ideologies, particularly among youth who feel alienated or disillusioned with the current state of governance and social equity. Experts believe that propaganda disseminated via encrypted apps and manipulated content on mainstream platforms has played a key role in galvanizing certain individuals toward radical views.
Community leaders and civil society groups are also stepping up efforts to promote awareness and counter-extremist narratives within local populations. As the investigation proceeds, any findings will likely influence future strategies for law enforcement, cyber surveillance, and community engagement to curb similar plots in the future.
The government has reiterated its zero-tolerance policy toward extremism and has promised swift and firm action against those found guilty. The final outcome of the pro-Khalistan assassination plot probe will be closely watched both within India and by international observers concerned with regional stability.
