Tarsem Singh, the father of detained Khalistan sympathizer Amritpal Singh, has strongly condemned the Punjab government's decision to deny parole to his son. The emotional condemnation came after authorities rejected their application for temporary release from prison.
Family's Plea for Parole Rejected
The Singh family had applied for parole citing genuine reasons, but the Punjab government turned down their request without providing adequate justification according to Tarsem Singh. Amritpal Singh has been in custody since April 2023 after being arrested under the National Security Act following a massive police operation across Punjab.
Speaking to media representatives, Tarsem Singh expressed his deep disappointment with the state administration's decision. He emphasized that they had followed all proper legal procedures and submitted the necessary documentation to support their parole application. The family believes the denial reflects political motivations rather than legal considerations.
Background of Amritpal Singh's Detention
Amritpal Singh rose to prominence as the leader of Waris Punjab De, an organization originally founded by actor-activist Deep Sidhu. He gained significant attention for his speeches and advocacy for Khalistani sentiments. The Punjab police launched an extensive manhunt in March 2023 that culminated in his arrest from Moga's Rode village the following month.
His detention under the stringent National Security Act allows authorities to keep individuals in preventive detention for up to 12 months without formal charges. The government has cited potential threats to public order and national security as primary reasons for maintaining his continued imprisonment.
Political Reactions and Implications
The parole denial has sparked debates across political circles in Punjab. Supporters of the state government defend the decision as necessary for maintaining law and order, while opposition parties have questioned the transparency of the process. Some political analysts suggest this case could have broader implications for how the state government handles similar situations involving controversial figures.
Tarsem Singh has vowed to continue his legal battle to secure his son's release. The family is exploring all available legal options, including approaching higher judicial authorities to challenge the parole denial. They maintain that Amritpal Singh should be granted the same rights as any other prisoner under Indian law.
This development occurs amid ongoing tensions in Punjab regarding the handling of individuals associated with separatist movements. The state government faces the challenging task of balancing security concerns with legal rights, a dilemma that continues to draw scrutiny from human rights organizations and political observers alike.
