Punjab Government Approves One-Year Extension Of Amritpal Singh's NSA Custody

Amritpal Singh, an independent member of parliament from Khadoor Sahib and a well-known Khalistani sympathiser, has been detained for an additional year by the Punjab government under the National Security Act (NSA). Singh was first held for 12 months at the Dibrugarh Jail in Assam, where he has been since April 2023. This extension guarantees his ongoing detention till April 2026 and was granted by the State Home Department based on the District Magistrate of Amritsar's recommendation.

Following discussions between state and central security authorities, Singh's incarceration was extended. Although a Punjab Police team was ready to return Singh to Punjab, the decision was made to hold him in Assam due to worries about his possible threat. Singh is accused under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in addition to the NSA charges. ​

Singh's arrest comes after a major crackdown in March 2023, when he was apprehended following a month-long manhunt. He was charged by authorities with encouraging separatist activities and trying to instigate violence. There has been debate around his arrest and subsequent detention; some regard it as a civil rights violation, while others see it as a measure to preserve public order. ​

Singh's arrest has been extended in response to persistent worries about his influence and the likelihood of unrest. Some contend that his acts endanger national security, while others doubt the justice and openness of his ongoing incarceration. The situation is still unstable, and any new events are probably going to continue to garner interest both domestically and outside. ​