Guwahati: Local authorities in Assam’s Bongaigaon district apprehended a man identified as Gurmukh Singh, a truck driver turned roadside dhaba owner, for his alleged sympathies towards Khalistani radicals. The arrest, made on April 1, came after Singh was found publicly displaying posters featuring prominent Khalistani ideologue Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale and other related imagery within his dhaba premises, situated near Gerukabari outpost along National Highway-27.
According to Bongaigaon SP Mohan Lal Meena, the establishment prominently featured posters of Bhindranwale alongside imagery reminiscent of the Khalistani symbol, raising concerns among local authorities. Further examination of the materials is currently underway to ascertain the extent of Singh’s involvement.
Hailing from Tarn Taran district of Punjab, Singh had also exhibited a photograph of the controversial rapper Sidhu Moose Wala, adding to suspicions of his sympathies towards the Khalistani cause. However, SP Meena clarified that while Singh may display sympathies towards the movement, his exact allegiance remains uncertain pending further interrogation.
Singh, who had previously worked as a truck driver before transitioning to running the dhaba, is suspected of strategically displaying the posters to attract truck drivers, many of whom originate from Punjab. This move, as suggested by SP Meena, aimed to cater to the preferences of the truck drivers frequenting his dhaba along the national highway.
The arrest came to light after members of the BJYM in Chirang district noticed the controversial posters and promptly alerted local law enforcement. Following Singh’s arrest, police conducted searches at other line hotels along National Highway-27, including the “UP Punjab Haryana” line hotels.
The incident also sheds light on ongoing concerns regarding the existence of Khalistani sympathisers in the state. Notorious Khalistani radical Amritpal Singh, chief of the Khalistani group “Waris Punjab De,” and nine others are currently incarcerated in Dibrugarh jail under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). Recent seizures of mobile phones and objectionable electronic devices from their cell in Dibrugarh jail prompted the arrest of the jailer for alleged wrongful assistance to the prisoners.
The arrest of Gurmukh Singh underscores the vigilance of local authorities in combating any attempts to propagate separatist ideologies, reaffirming their commitment to maintaining peace and security in the region. Further investigations into the matter are ongoing to ensure that such activities are promptly addressed and deterred in the future.
