Family members of Amritpal Singh, a controversial Sikh preacher currently detained under the National Security Act (NSA) in Assam, met him at Dibrugarh jail on Thursday.
This visit comes a day after his lawyer declared Singh's intention to contest the upcoming Lok Sabha elections from Punjab's Khadoor Sahib seat.
Singh's father, Tarsem Singh, uncle Sukhchain Singh, wife Kirandeep Kaur, and other relatives arrived in Dibrugarh on Thursday morning. Later, they were granted access to the preacher after undergoing stringent security checks.
Amritpal Singh, head of the 'Waris Punjab De' outfit, was arrested in April 2023. Authorities subsequently invoked the NSA against him, citing potential threats to national security. He is currently housed at Dibrugarh Central Jail alongside nine associates.
Amarjit Singh, father of one of Singh's associates Papal Preet Singh, also joined the family on their trip to Assam.
This development follows a meeting between Singh and his lawyer, Rajdev Singh Khalsa, on Wednesday. Khalsa reportedly urged Singh to contest the Lok Sabha polls, claiming it would serve the interests of the "Khalsa Panth" (Sikh community).
"I requested 'bhai sahab' (Amritpal Singh) to fight elections this time from Khadoor Sahib... He will fight as an Independent candidate," Khalsa stated.
Singh, known for emulating slain Khalistani militant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, was apprehended in Moga's Rode village last April after an extended manhunt.
The preacher's detention and his lawyer's recent claim have sparked debate and questions regarding the feasibility of his candidacy.
It remains unclear whether Singh's current incarceration under the NSA would bar him from contesting the elections.
Legal experts suggest a complex legal battle could ensue if Singh pursues his candidacy.
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