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
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.”
Sport
Iheanacho, Ndidi secure Premier League promotion with Leicester City
Leicester City have now secured one of the two automatic promotion tickets to the Premier League.
Economy
BDC operators warn against naira speculation, hoarding
He added that ABCON will upgrade technology in its quest to help in the fight against the sabotage of CBN’s reforms.
Economy
Tinubu taps Jim Ovia to lead Nigerian education loan fund
The prominent Nigerian banker was appointed on Friday.
Heading 4
Liverpool agree compensation with Feyenoord to appoint Arne Slot as new manager
Liverpool had initially shown interest in former player and Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso.
Agriculture
Taraba govt. set to distribute first set of tractors to farmers
“We have so far received 20 Cabrio and 250 mini high powered tractors that would be distributed to our farmers on May 28.”
NationWide
Jonathan mourns Ayogu Eze
The former president commiserated with the Eze family, his political and professional colleagues in the media.