‘Don’t play into the hands of Khalistanis’

Punjab chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Friday flayed the opposition parties for raising doubts over the arrest of British national Jagtar Singh Johal in connection with the targeted killings, accusing them of acting against Punjab’s interests by echoing baseless statements of foreign elements.

Reacting to statements by Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders on the issue, the CM termed their comments as unfortunate and not in the interest of Punjab.

Describing those opposing Johal’s arrest and seeking his release as working against the interests of India, particularly Punjab, Amarinder said by making allegations against the Punjab government and police, such elements were trying to disturb the state’s peace.

“The whole issue was being sought to be politicised by certain pro-Khalistani elements and it was unfortunate that Punjab’s own leaders were adding their voice to these elements.”

He said radical elements based in Britain and some other countries had launched a false and slanderous media campaign against the Punjab government and police.

AAP, LIP ALLEGE JOHAL BEING FRAMED

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Lok Insaaf Party (LIP) on Friday demanded a “fair and impartial” inquiry into the arrest of British national Jagtar Singh Johal, alias Jaggi, in connection with targeted killings in Punjab, claiming that he is being framed.

The MLAs of the two opposition parties, who met here to chalk out their strategy for winter session of the state assembly, adopted a resolution making this demand.