Punjab government extends Amritpal Singh’s detention by one year under NSA

New Delhi: The Punjab government has extended the detention of Khadoor Sahib MP and activist Amritpal Singh by one year under the National Security Act (NSA). He will continue to be lodged in Assam’s Dibrugarh jail, where he has been held since his arrest in March 2023.

The state home department approved the extension on the recommendation of the Amritsar district magistrate, who cited a continued threat to law and order based on reports from the police and intelligence agencies.

Senior police officials said that while the custody of nine of Amritpal’s associates has not been extended and they have been shifted to jails in Punjab, his case was considered an exception due to “additional evidence” indicating a potential security threat.

The decision followed discussions with key stakeholders and a recommendation from the advisory board. The government reiterated that the extension was necessary due to the serious threat posed by his activities.