The Nepal government’s Department of Immigration has alerted its offices, particularly those at airports, to prevent Amritpal Singh, a radical preacher from Punjab, India, from fleeing to a third country using Nepali territory either on his own passport or a fake passport, according to a report.
The Himalayan Times reported that DG Jhalak Ram Adhikari received a letter from the Indian Embassy requesting his assistance in preventing Khalistan separatist Amritpal Singh from fleeing to a third country. The Punjab government has launched a massive manhunt for Amritpal, a separatist leader who has been missing since March 18.
The Indian Embassy has provided a photograph of the Punjabi fugitive as well as all information about him. The embassy has also informed Nepali authorities that Amritpal Singh may attempt to flee to a third country using his own or a fake passport.
Adhikari stated that all passengers wishing to travel abroad using Nepal’s airport would be screened at the airport, preventing Amritpal, who is under the Department of Immigration’s surveillance, from fleeing.
The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu on Sunday sent a letter to the Department of Immigration requesting them to not let pro-Khalistani leader Amritpal Singh travel to a third country.
“As per the request from Indian Embassy in Kathmandu, we have included him on the ‘watch list’, Director of Nepal’s Department of Immigration Jhalakram Adhikari told ANI over the phone.
At first, the embassy had requested the Nepal government to enlist him on a watch list and shared the details along with photos with the department, the official added.
“They have warned us that he might use a fake passport to enter Nepal and attempt to fly out. He might be hiding somewhere here in Nepal as well. No one is sure about Amritpal whereabouts. But as per the request we have informed all the concerned departments and authorities,” Adhikari added.
Asked about the letters, the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu did not respond.
On March 25, Punjab Police appealed to people not to believe rumours and fake news of the arrest of radical preacher and pro-Khalistan leader Amritpal Singh, which is being circulated on social media.
Speaking at a press briefing on Saturday, Bathinda SSP Gulneet Khurana said, “We urge people not to believe the fake reports of the arrest of Amritpal Singh that are being widely circulated on social media.”
On March 18, the Punjab Police launched an investigation into Amritpal Singh and his associates. The crackdown came nearly three weeks after Amritpal’s supporters clashed with uniformed officers at the Ajnala police station on the outskirts of Amritsar on February 23, demanding the release of one of his close aides, Lovepreet Toofan.
