Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav on Friday stated that the Ajnala incident, in which supporters of radical preacher Amritpal Singh laid a siege on a police station, was done under cover of Guru Granth Sahib & Palki Sahib, news agency ANI reported.
"They had contacted local Police & raised doubts about the veracity of FIR. They were assured of a fair investigation. They had said they wanted to protest peacefully. Keeping in mind democractic traditions, peaceful protest was permitted," he stated.
On Thursday, Khalistan sympathiser Amritpal's supporters—some of whom were armed with swords and firearms—broke past security barriers and barricaded themselves inside a police station complex in this city. They slept there until they were "assured" that an arrested guy would be released.
"SSP Amritsar Rural informed that he was assured that they'd(protesters)stop wherever they're stopped. But Police was attacked y'day, sharp-edged weapons were used, stones were pelted.Attack was done under cover of Guru Granth Sahib & Palki Sahib,6 Police persons injured," the DGP stated.
Highlighting that the Police practised restraint, Punjab DGP stated: "Police worked with utmost restraint to maintain the dignity of Guru Granth Sahib. Attacking the Police under its cover was an act of cowardice."
Noting that an "appropriate action" will be taken, Punjab DGP said: "As far as yesterday's incident is concerned, appropriate action will be taken. Video footage is being analysed. SP has been injured with 11 stitches. Five other Police personnel were also injured. Their statement will be recorded & further legal action will be taken."
Amritpal Singh recently assumed leadership of the "Waris Punjab De" organisation, which was started by the activist and actor Deep Sidhu, who passed away in a car accident in February of last year. The gathering took place in Moga's Rode, the hometown of the assassinated insurgent Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale.
(With Inputs From ANI)