Himachal Pradesh has been put on high alert while the police have sealed all the interstate borders and barriers following the hoisting of banners and graffiti of ‘Khalistan’ on the outer boundary of the Vidhan Sabha in Dharamshala on Sunday.
The state police have registered an FIR under sections 153-A, 153-B IPC and section 3 of HP Open Places (Prevention of Disfigurement) Act, 1985.
According to official reports, Section 13 of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) has been added to the FIR.
In the FIR, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, General Counsel to Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), has been named as the main accused in the case.
The DGP-Himachal has issued directions to the field formations to remain on high alert from today while ADGP-CID, IG/DIG Ranges and District SPs have been directed to seal all interstate borders/barriers and keep strict vigil at the places of probable hideouts i.e. hotels and sarais, etc.
They have been directed to keep the Special Security Units (SsUs), Bomb Disposal Squads and Quick Reactions Teams (QRTs) in position and on high alert and strengthen the security of dams, railway stations, bus stands, towns, Government buildings and vital installations.
Earlier today, ‘Khalistan’ flags were tied on the main gate and walls of the Himachal Assembly, which the police suspected to be orchestrated by “some tourists from Punjab”. The flags were later removed.
Superintendent of police, Kangra, Khushal Sharma said, “It might have happened late night or early morning today. We have removed the Khalistan flags from the Vidhan Sabha gate. It could be an act of some tourists from Punjab.”
