DGP Gaurav Yadav on Monday said shrines and scriptures should not be used for vested interests.
He said Punjabis and the police would not let the hard-earned peace be disturbed by Pakistan-based anti-social elements.
Yadav’s statement came after it came to the fore that “Waris Punjab De” chief Amritpal Singh and his aide Papalpreet Singh hid at various deras while being on the run. The police launched a crackdown on Amritpal and his supporters on March 18.
After paying obeisance at the Golden Temple, the DGP said the ISI was trying to vitiate the peaceful atmosphere of Punjab.
In an apparent reference to Amritpal, Yadav said any person wanted by law should submit to the process of law. “Everyone wanted by law should submit to the process of law. The Constitution has given equal rights to all,” he said.
While urging the Punjabis living abroad to visit the state, he said there was complete normalcy in Punjab. “Come and see for yourself. The situation is absolutely normal here,” the DGP pointed out. He also asked the masses not to believe in rumours.
Hours after the DGP’s statement, Papalpreet was arrested by the police. Initially, there were reports that Papalpreet had surrendered. However, Amritsar Rural SSP Satinder Singh said Papalpreet, who was on the run since March 18, was arrested from Kathunangal area.
“As Papalpreet was booked under the National Security Act, he will be produced before the Ajnala court and sent to Dibrugarh jail in Assam,” said the SSP.
