Panjab Lifts NSA from Seven Amritpal Associates

The Panjab government has decided not to reimpose the National Security Act (NSA) on seven associates of jailed Khadoor Sahib Member of Parliament Amritpal Singh. The seven associates will be transferred from Assam’s Dibrugarh jail to Panjab to face trial in various cases, including the 2023 Ajnala police station attack on charges of attempted murder, spreading disharmony, and obstructing public servants. The Ajnala attack, led by Amritpal on 23 Feb 2023, involved a violent mob storming the station to free associate Lovepreet Singh Toofan, injuring several police officers. Amritpal, the Waris Punjab De chief, will remain in Dibrugarh jail under NSA and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act charges. The seven associates—Basant Singh, Bhagwant Singh, Gurmeet Singh Gill, Sarabjeet Singh Kalsi, Gurinderpal Singh Aujla, Harjeet Singh, and Kulwant Singh Dhaliwal—will be brought back to Panjab starting 18 Mar, as their NSA detention expires. A police team led by Superintendent of Police Harinder Singh Gill is stationed in Dibrugarh to secure their transit remand. NSA allows the government to detain individuals for up to twelve months without formal charges. Amritpal’s father, Tarsem Singh, hopes his son will also be brought back after his NSA detention ends on 23 Apr. Meanwhile, a parliamentary panel recommended a 54-day leave of absence for Amritpal, to prevent his disqualification due to prolonged absence from Lok Sabha (Lower House) sessions. The panel’s report will be presented before the Punjab and Haryana High Court, which is hearing Amritpal’s petition to attend Parliament while the session is on. Amritpal’s lawyer, Iman Singh Khara, stated that the NSA detention of four associates ends on 18 Mar, while others will complete their terms by 26 Mar. The Panjab government’s decision not to extend the NSA reflects a shift in strategy, focusing on legal prosecution rather than prolonged detention (earlier coverage).