Ambala: International Anti-Khailistani Terrorist Front (IAKTF) chief Gursimran Singh Mand was assaulted on August 7 by a mob outside Gurudwara Shri Panjokhra Sahib, around 10 kms away from Ambala City, police said.
The mob smashed the windshield and other panes of his car. Mand came under attack on the road leading to the gurdwara.
Mand was rescued from the violent mob by his security guards and police.
Later, while undergoing treatment at the Civil Hospital, Mand said, “I, along with my son, was sitting in my car, when these people gathered around the car and attacked us with sticks, swords and other sharp-edged weapons. My son and I were injured. Three policemen who tried to save me were also attacked. I am grateful to the cops for saving our lives.
“They attacked me because I speak in favour of the prime minister, and against Khalistan. They asked me to raise slogans against the prime minister and the RSS, and get Amritpal Singh and others released from jails,” he said.
Mand further alleged, “They did not allow me to enter the Gurdwara. I was sitting inside my car. They had planned the attack. First around ten people gathered, then twenty, and soon nearly fifty people started damaging my vehicle. They called Nihang Sikhs, and many local people were also present. They attacked me with swords, sticks and kicks. I suffered injuries on my hand, arm and head, and some of my teeth were also broken. They also seriously assaulted my son, causing injuries to his head.”
“Haryana police personnel were trying to save me. The attackers forced me to raise slogans of ‘Modi Murdabad’, ‘RSS Murdabad’, ‘Khalistan Zindabad’ and ‘Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale Zindabad’. They asked me to secure the release of Amritpal Singh, who is lodged in Dibrugarh Jail, otherwise they would kill me. They also demanded the release of Amritpal Singh Mehron. They snatched all my belongings. I thank the Haryana Police for rescuing me; otherwise, I would have been killed,” he further said.
The injured have been identified as Gursimran Mand, Bhavjot of Ludhiana, and Ambala police personnel Rakesh Kumar and Kulbir Rana.
In the video going viral, a number of people can be seen damaging his car using sticks and bricks. Mand is seen pleading to the youths not to attack them. His security personnel are also seen trying to stop them.
Ambala SP Ajit Singh Shekhawat said, “The reason behind the incident is yet to be ascertained. Mand had gone to the gurdwara to pay obeisance, but had an argument with some people and was attacked. The condition of the injured is stable. Two policemen suffered minor injuries while saving Mand. We are yet to record his statement. Further action will be taken accordingly.”
