'Dreaming of Khalsa Raj is…' Amritpal Singh warns his own family after his mother says he is 'not a Khalistani supporter' | Mint

Khadoor Sahib MP Amritpal Singh has distanced himself from a statement made by his mother, Balwinder Kaur, about his stance on “Khalistan,” an ideology that advocates a separate Sikh nation.

The statement rejecting his mother's remarks was issued by the jailed Sikh leader through his team on Saturday evening, in conjunction with his swearing-in ceremony.

Earlier on Friday, Kaur had said her son was not a Khalistani supporter and demanded his immediate release so he could focus on the issues he fought for during the elections.

“We demand that he be released immediately so that he can thank his supporters and work on the issues on which the elections were won,” Kaur said at her residence.

She said her son's supporters kept asking when he would be released from prison. “We urge the government to release him immediately,” she said.

As reported by PTITo another question, Kaur claimed, “He is not a Khalistani supporter. By talking about the rights of Punjab and saving the youth of Punjab (from drugs), anyone can become a supporter of Khalistan.”

Also read: Lawyer of jailed Khalistani leader Amritpal Singh seeks bail, appeals for public support for anti-drug efforts in Punjab

“He fought elections within the purview of the Constitution and took oath. You shouldn't say something like that. He will raise the issues of Punjab and save the youth (from drugs),” she said.

The video of this statement went viral on social media and was criticized by Sikh hardliners who raised objections. On Saturday, his mother appealed to the Sikh community not to misinterpret her statement.

As reported by Hindustan TimesAmritpal released a statement saying, “When I came across Mata Ji's statement yesterday, I felt deeply hurt. Even though I believe Mata Ji was speaking unconsciously, such a statement should never come from my family or anyone who supports me.”

Singh further stated that dreaming of Khalsa Raj is not just a right but a matter of immense pride. “Countless Sikhs have sacrificed their lives for this dream and we cannot even imagine stepping away from this sacred path. I have often said from the dais that if I ever had to choose between the Panth and my family, I would always choose the Panth without hesitation,” he added.

Also read: Lawyer of jailed Khalistani leader Amritpal Singh seeks bail, appeals for public support for anti-drug efforts in Punjab

He further added, “The historical example of Baba Banda Singh Bahadar's young companion is a testament to this principle. When the mother tried to save her son by denying his Sikh identity, the boy bravely proclaimed that if she claims I am not a Sikh, then she is not my mother. Though this example may seem harsh for the situation, it profoundly captures the essence of unwavering devotion,” he said.

“I warn my family unequivocally that compromising on the concept of the Sikh state cannot even be considered. Such mistakes should never be allowed to happen in future in dealing with the Sangat,” he added.

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In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Singh contested as an independent candidate and won the Khadoor Sahib Lok Sabha seat, defeating Congress candidate Kulbir Singh Zira by a large margin of 1,97,120 votes.

Singh, who leads the group “Waris Punjab De” and assumes the identity of slain Khalistani militant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, has been jailed along with nine of his accomplices under the National Security Act (NSA).

His arrest followed an incident on February 23 in Rode village in Moga, where Singh and his supporters stormed the Ajnala police station, brandishing swords and guns, and clashed with policemen in an attempt to free one of his accomplices from jail.

(With input from agencies)