Amarinder Singh slams Opposition on arrest of UK citizen

Chandigarh: Punjab chief minister Capt. Amarinder Singh on Friday flayed the Opposition for raising doubts over the arrest of British citizen Jagtar Singh Johal in the targeted killing cases, accusing them of acting against Punjab’s interest by echoing the baseless statements of some foreign elements.

Reacting to statements by SAD and AAP leaders on the issue, the CM termed their comments as unfortunate and not in the interest of Punjab and its people. By deciding to side with those who were conspiring to malign the Punjab police and government, these parties have exposed their total lack of interest in the welfare of the state, he said.

Describing all those opposing Jagtar’s arrest and seeking his release as working against the interests of India, particularly Punjab, the CM said by making unfounded allegations, such elements were trying to disturb the state’s peace and harmony.

There was a well-planned conspiracy at work in this whole affair, said the chief minister, challenging such people to prove their allegations of human rights violation of the accused.

From being allowed to talk to his family to having consular access, and from his medical examinations to his timely production in court, the due process of law had been followed at every step from the moment of Jagtar’s arrest, according to the Punjab chief minister.

The Chief Minister said his government was more concerned about maintaining Punjab’s peace and stability rather than worrying about perceived embarrassment at the hands of foreign forces which had no stake in India’s security or development.

The Chief Minister pointed out that his government had already made public all the facts, as well as the mountain of evidence indicating Jagtar’s complicity in the cases. Jagtar alias Jaggi was arrested by the police on grave charges in major cases, based on strong evidence against him. And he was arrested only after his role in the conspiracy to kill RSS/Shiv Sena leaders/workers was confirmed on the basis of specific inputs about his linkages/involvement in these crimes, said Captain Amarinder.

Reiterating that the law will take its own course in the matter, Captain Amarinder said the police had been following the due process of law in the matter all through, and would continue to do so. His government did not believe in incriminating innocent people in false cases, but would not, at any cost, allow anyone to destabilize Punjab by indulging in terrorist or criminal activities.