Won't compromise with peace in Punjab: Bhagwant Mann amid crackdown on Amritpal Singh

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday assured that strict action will be taken against those who have been trying to disturb peace and harmony in the state, amid the police crackdown against radical preacher Amritpal Singh.

Police on Saturday launched a major crackdown against Amritpal and members of his outfit 'Waris Punjab De'. Amritpal, however, escaped when his cavalcade was intercepted in Jalandhar district.

In his first reaction to the police action, Mann said he had received several calls from people praising his government.

"People are telling me, you have done a good job. There should be peace and harmony in Punjab. In this matter, we will support you," Mann said in a video message.

Mann said Punjab's peace, harmony, and the country's progress were his top priorities.

"We will not spare any force working against the country," the CM said, adding that people had given a responsibility to the AAP by giving it a huge mandate in the elections.

"I thank the 3 crore Punjabis for their cooperation in this operation (against Amritpal and 'Waris Punjab De'). There was not a single report of any untoward incident from the state. It has boosted my confidence that people want peace and progress," said Mann.

He asserted that under the leadership of AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal, the Aam Aadmi Party is a "100 per cent secular party".

"We never play politics in the name of religion, caste and hatred," he added.

Police on Saturday launched a major crackdown against Singh and members of his outfit 'Waris Punjab De'. The preacher, however, gave the police a slip when his cavalcade was intercepted in Jalandhar district.

The episode raised fears over the possibility of the return of Khalistani militancy to the state that borders Pakistan. WPD was formed by singer-activist Deep Sandhu. Amritpal took over as its chief a month after his death last year.