Amit Shah on Amritpal: ‘Wannabe Bhindranwale’ Now Behind Bars | Key Points

New Delhi: Union Home Minister Amit Shah, while addressing the Rajya Sabha on Friday, detailed how his ministry dealt with extremist Amritpal Singh in Punjab. Taking a strong stance, he asserted that the "wannabe Bhindranwale is peacefully reciting Guru Granth Sahib in Assam jail," highlighting the Centre's firm resolve against threats to national security.

Shah’s Strong Message in Parliament

Coming down heavily on Amritpal Singh, Shah stated, "Some people tried to become Bhindranwale in Punjab...we did not have the government (in the state), but still, it was the home ministry's firm resolve that the man is reciting Guru Granth Sahib in Assam jail."

Reiterating the Centre’s commitment to tackling extremist elements, he added, "We won't let danger flourish in the nation because of political ideology. We'll nip them in the bud."

The Crackdown on Amritpal Singh

Amritpal Singh and his associates have been incarcerated in Assam’s Dibrugarh jail under the NSA for the past two years. In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, he ran as an independent candidate and emerged victorious from the Khadoor Sahib constituency.

The radical preacher, who styled himself after slain Khalistani militant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, was arrested in Rode village, Moga, on April 23, 2023, following an extensive month-long manhunt.

Amritpal had managed to elude authorities in Jalandhar district on March 18, 2023, by frequently changing vehicles and disguising his appearance.

The Punjab Police initiated the crackdown following the Ajnala incident on February 23, 2023, when Amritpal and his armed supporters—some carrying swords and firearms—allegedly broke through barricades, forcibly entered a police station on the outskirts of Amritsar, and clashed violently with officers while demanding the release of his aides 

He and his associates were booked on multiple charges, including inciting communal discord, attempted murder, assaulting police personnel, and obstructing public servants from performing their duties.

‘Zero Tolerance Against Terrorism, Naxalism Will Be Eliminated by 2026’

On the other hand, Shah also talked about the government's stance against terrorism and Naxalism while addressing the Rajya Sabha. He highlighted the Centre’s “zero tolerance policy” towards terrorism and also asserted that naxalism in India would be eradicated by March 21, 2026.

Speaking on national security, Amit Shah stressed how the Modi government transformed India’s approach to terrorism, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir.

"First of all, I will speak about Kashmir. Terrorists used to enter Kashmir from the neighbouring country, they used to execute bomb blasts and murders here. There was not one festival which used to be celebrated without any worry. Central governments had a flexible attitude. They used to be quiet and were scared of speaking... They were worried about their vote bank," he said.

Speaking about how the government, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, took decisive action following terrorist attacks in Uri and Pulwama, Shah said,"After PM Narendra Modi came to power, we displayed a zero-tolerance policy against terrorism. There were attacks even after we came to power – on Uri and Pulwama... Within 10 days, we entered Pakistan and gave them a reply through airstrikes and surgical strikes... The zero-tolerance policy against terrorism started there."

‘Naxalism Will Be Eliminated by 2026’

Shah also drew comparisons between the previous Congress-led approach to Naxalism and the BJP government’s crackdown.

"What happens when there is a government that considers Naxalism a political issue, and what happens when a government that works for security, as well as development, comes to power?" he questioned.

Citing recent figures from Chhattisgarh, where the BJP took power in December 2023, he outlined the success of anti-naxal operations:

• 380 naxals killed in just a year (excluding 30 more killed recently).
• 1,194 naxals arrested.
• 1,045 naxals surrendered.
• Active naxals reduced by 2,619.
• 26 security personnel martyred in these operations.

Shah said that the police force, CRPF, and central government remained the same—the only difference was that the Congress government had been replaced. He further highlighted the government's success in bringing armed groups in the Northeast to the negotiating table, leading to 12 major peace accords since 2019 and the surrender of 10,900 militants.

"After our government came to power, we spoke with all armed outfits (in the Northeast). From 2019 till date, 12 important peace accords have been signed... 10,900 youth have given up arms and joined the mainstream. I was recently in Bodoland, thousands of youth are now walking the path of development," Shah said, adding that naxalism in this country will be eliminated by 21st March 2026."