Anti-Terrorist Front India national president Viresh Shandilya meets injured police personnel in Ambala.
Alleges conspiracy by radical elements to disrupt peace; says attack on police cannot be treated as a routine law-and-order matter
KURUKSHETRA | PEN OF DEMOCRACY NEWS DESK
Anti-Terrorist Front India national president Viresh Shandilya has demanded a probe by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) into the alleged attack on police personnel near Jaggi City Centre in Ambala. He alleged that radical elements had attempted to occupy the National Highway as part of a planned conspiracy and attacked the police, leaving eight personnel, including a Deputy Superintendent of Police, seriously injured.
Shandilya said the incident had created an atmosphere of fear and concern in Ambala and alleged that the episode was aimed at disturbing the city’s peace, unity and social harmony. He said that although Ambala Police had registered an FIR at Baldev Nagar police station, the alleged involvement of individuals and groups associated with radical and separatist activities warranted investigation by a central agency.
According to Shandilya, people carrying swords, spears and other weapons had allegedly gathered near Jaggi City Centre. He claimed that the presence of such weapons and the alleged confrontation with police raised questions that went beyond an ordinary local law-and-order situation.
“The matter should not remain limited to a district-level police investigation,” Shandilya said, demanding that the NIA examine the alleged conspiracy, the role of the persons involved and the circumstances leading to the confrontation.
He alleged that individuals associated with Waris Punjab De and supporters of separatist ideology were among those present. Shandilya specifically referred to Tarsemsingh, father of Amritpal Singh, and other individuals whom he described as radical elements. These are allegations made by Shandilya; their truth and the specific roles of individuals would have to be established through an impartial investigation.
Shandilya said the Anti-Terrorist Front India would raise the matter with the authorities. He said the organisation would submit a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police, addressed to Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, seeking an NIA investigation. He also said that the organisation intended to approach the Governors of Haryana and Punjab regarding the matter.
Expressing concern over the location of the incident, Shandilya pointed out that an airbase is situated in the vicinity of Jaggi City Centre. He alleged that the presence of armed persons near a sensitive defence installation warranted a thorough examination of whether any reconnaissance or other security-related activity had taken place.
He said that if the state and central governments did not hand over the matter to the NIA, his organisation would consider filing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) before the Punjab and Haryana High Court.
Shandilya also alleged that the gathering was not merely a spontaneous protest and claimed that statements made by some persons indicated preparations for a prolonged stay. Referring to a statement allegedly made by Jagdish Singh Jhinda that people had brought clothes for a month, he argued that the intention was to remain near Jaggi City Centre and occupy the highway.
He said such developments, if established, would require investigation into the planning, mobilisation, funding and coordination behind the gathering. He further alleged that the objective was to put pressure on the administration and lower the morale of police personnel.
The Anti-Terrorist Front India president said that attacks on police personnel carrying out their duty should be treated with seriousness and that those found responsible must face strict action under the law. At the same time, he said that the investigation should establish the facts and identify individual responsibility rather than relying solely on allegations.
Shandilya maintained that protecting Ambala’s peace and security was a collective responsibility and urged the government to ensure that no anti-national or separatist activity was allowed to disturb communal harmony or public order.
He reiterated that his organisation would continue to oppose terrorism, separatism and activities that, in its view, threaten India’s constitutional order and national unity. He said the proposed memorandum would seek a central investigation so that the complete circumstances surrounding the alleged attack on police personnel could be established.
The demand comes amid allegations concerning the confrontation near Jaggi City Centre, with Shandilya insisting that the incident requires an investigation beyond the district police level. The final facts, including the identities and roles of those responsible, will depend on the outcome of the police and any further investigation ordered by the competent authorities.
