Sikh Body Issues Ultimatum to Punjab Police in Response to Separatist Crackdown

The Akal Takht, the highest seat of authority for the Sikhs, has issued a statement criticizing the Bhagwant Mann government and the central government over the Punjab Police’s crackdown on separatist preacher Amritpal Singh. The statement questions why similar action is not taken against those who demand Hindu Rashtra, and gives a 24-hour ultimatum to the state government to release Sikh youths taken into custody during the crackdown. The Akal Takht has also cautioned against violent protests and said they will approach the high court for the release of those in police custody. Additionally, news channels that allegedly defamed Sikhs have been targeted by the Akal Takht. In an earlier statement, the Akal Takht had asked Amritpal Singh to surrender before police and cooperate with the investigation.