India shuts down Punjab internet in manhunt for separatist leader Amritpal Singh
All internet services have been shut down by the government of Punjab, India, as police launch a manhunt for Amritpal Singh, a separatist leader who favours the creation of a separate state for Sikhs.
Khalista, a separate state for Sikhs in India, is being pushed for by the extreme preacher, the driving force behind ‘Waris Punja De’, also known as ‘Heirs of Punjab’.
With his supporters’ aid, Mr Singh eluded the police in a hot car chase on Saturday.
His unprecedented escape prompted security agents to shut down all internet services in the state, leaving about 27 million people without access to the internet, all to catch the radical leader.
The police detained over 100 of Mr Singh’s supporters and urged citizens to maintain law and order while the manhunt was underway.
“Punjab Police is working to maintain law and order,” tweeted the Punjab Police on Saturday,” said the authorities. “All mobile internet services, all SMS services (except banking and mobile recharge) and all dongle services provided on mobile networks, except the voice call, in the territorial jurisdiction of Punjab shall be suspended from 18th March (12:00 hours) to 19th March (12:00 hours) in the interest of public safety,” the authorities said.
The 24-hour internet ban that was originally planned to end on Sunday has been extended until Tuesday.
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
States
Makinde charges Oyo commissioners to stay committed as administration enters final lap
Mr Makinde urged government appointees to prioritise legacy over tenure, citing the late Obafemi Awolowo as an example.
States
Oyo police arrest man, recover pistol, drugs
The police said the investigation is ongoing, with efforts intensified to identify, track, and apprehend the fleeing suspects.
States
Gov. Sani appoints new aides, board chairs to enhance service delivery
Mr Musa said that the appointments are part of the ongoing efforts to strengthen governance and inject fresh energy into public service.
States
Police detain suspect over illegal possession of firearm in Enugu
The police said a concealed locally made double-barrelled pistol was found in the suspect’s possession during a search.
Politics
Appeal Court upholds judgment barring INEC from recognising Mark-led ADC congresses
Justice Mohammed held that the case that precipitated the restraining order bordered on a non-justiciable internal affair of a political party.
Heading 5
NMDPRA seals Mobil, Mangerborn Energy in Ogun for under-dispensing fuel
Mr Adebowale stated that the action became necessary due to repeated breaches of regulatory requirements by the affected filling stations.
