Jailed Khalistan separatist Amritpal Singh launches new political party in Punjab

Lok Sabha MP and jailed Khalistani separatist Amritpal Singh on Tuesday launched a new political party in Punjab called Akali Dal (Waris Punjab De), The Indian Express reported.

The party was launched by his supporters at the Maghi Mela in Muktsar, The New Indian Express reported. A statement attributed to Amritpal Singh during the event said that the formation of the party was “the first step towards the resurgence of Akali politics”.

Amritpal Singh, who won the general election in June from Punjab’s Khadoor Sahib constituency as an independent candidate, is currently in Assam’s Dibrugarh jail under the National Security Act. He is the leader of Khalistan separatist organisation Waris Punjab De, or heirs of Punjab.

Khalistan is an independent Sikh nation sought by some groups.

At the launch on Tuesday, the jailed MP’s father, Tarsem Singh, said that his son would serve as the president of Akali Dal (Waris Punjab De) and added that a membership drive had begun for the party.

“Let us come together to save Punjab and protect the Panth [community],” The New Indian Express quoted Tarsem Singh as saying. “Anyone can join by the party and become a member by filling out the form.’’

A 15-point resolution was also passed, which appointed Amritpal Singh, 31, as the “mukh sewadar”, or chief attendant of the organisation.

Apart from Tarsem Singh, Faridkot MP Sarabjit…

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