Ahead of the Baishaki celebration, the Punjab Police have been put on high alter with their leaves being cancelled till April 14.
According to media reports, fugitive radical Sikh leader Amritpal Singh has been urging Shri Akal Takht Sahib to hold a 'Sarbat Khalsa' to discuss the Sikh issues. The Akal Takht Akal on Thursday issued a statement and announced a three-day annual congregation at Takht Damdama Sahib to celebrate Baisakhi.
However, speaking to Hindustan Times, an official from Akal Takhth Akal said that there was a marked difference in the annual congregation and ‘Sarbat Khalsa’. This is a gathering to mark Baisakhi and the assembly does not agree to Singh's demand.
Amritpal Singh has been evading the police since March 18. Despite being on the run, he has released two videos and an audio clip while in hiding.
"Those who feel that I have turned fugitive and I have left my associates, they should not keep this illusion in their mind. I do not fear death," he said in the video in Punjabi.
"And soon will appear before the world and will also be amongst the 'Sangat'," Amritpal Singh said.
Police have stepped up security in and around Amritsar and Bathinda amid reports that Amritpal Singh may surrender after entering any of the two Sikh shrines - Golden Temple in Amritsar and Takht Sri Damdama Sahib in Bathinda. The pro-Khalistan preacher said he was not like those who would flee the country
