Amritpal Singh called the “Bhindranwale 2.0” in Punjab’s religio-political circles, is the head of ‘Waris Punjab De,’ an organisation formed with the aim to fight for social justice and preserve the rights and culture of Punjab. Amritpal Singh joined the organisation in 2022.
Wiki/Biography
Amritpal Singh Sandhu was born in 1993 (age 29 years; as of 2022). Reportedly, after studying till class 10, he enrolled himself on a Polytechnic course in Kapurthala, Punjab, but he didn’t complete the course and moved to Dubai to join the family transport business.
Physical Appearance
Height (approx.): 5′ 11″
Hair Colour: Black
Eye Colour: Dark Brown
Family
Amritpal Singh’s family hails from Amritsar’s Jallupur Khera village.
Parents & Siblings
There is not much information about his parents. Amritpal Singh has twin sisters and an elder brother.
Religion/Religious Views
Amritpal Singh Sandhu follows Sikhism.
“Punjab is for Punjabis”
Reportedly, Amritpal Singh Sandhu believed Sikhs as the “slaves” to Hindus and according to him, the ‘Sikh rule’ would be the only solution to put a stop to slavery. On the seventh anniversary of the Behbal Kalan killings, where the police officials opened fire at the people protesting against the sacrilege of Guru Granth Sahib in Behbal Kalan village, Amritpal Singh said,
Sikhs have been slaves for 150 years. We have developed a slave mentality. First, we were slaves to the British, now we are slaves to the Hindus. The only way we can be totally free is when we have Sikh rule.”
Amritpal Singh addressing the cowd at Tibbi Saheb Gurdwara in Faridkot on the seventh anniversary of Behbal Kalan killings – linked to the Bargari sacrilege case (2015)
Transport Business in Dubai
In 2012, Amritpal moved to Dubai where he managed his family’s transport business. On 20 August 2022, Amritpal Singh, leaving behind his permanent resident status in Canada, moved back to India to take over the leadership of Waris Punjab De.
Chief of Waris Punjab De
Reportedly, Amritpal Singh is the chief of ‘Waris Punjab De,’ an organisation formed by Punjabi actor-turned-activist Deep Sidhu to fight for social justice and preserve the rights and culture of Punjab. He took over the leadership of the organisation after Deep Sidhu’s death in a road accident near Sonepat on the Kundli-Manesar-Palwal highway on 15 February 2022. He, however, never met Deep Sidhu but was connected with him on social media. On 29 September 2022, he was declared the chief of the ‘Waris Punjab De’ group at the ‘Dastarbandi’ (turban-tying ceremony), the one-year anniversary of the founding of the organisation.
The Speech at Rode village in Moga, Punjab
Amritpal Singh, in the native village of slain Khalistani militant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, addressed the public on the occasion of the 29th anniversary of the installation of ‘Waris Punjab De’ and said that they should not consider themselves as independent and assured the revenge of Bhindranwale’s killing. Amritpal Singh, in his speech, said,
We all (Punjabis) are still slaves. Those who think we are ‘azad’ (free), should consult a doctor. We have to fight for freedom. Our waters are being looted. Our Guru is being disrespected. Those who indulge in sacrilege, will not be handed over to police or sent to courts. Ohda sodha laguga (we will punish them).”
An Illegal Appointment as the Head of the ‘Waris Punjab De’
Reportedly, Deep Sidhu’s brother Mandeep Sidhu claimed that Amritpal illegally entered the leadership of the group ‘Waris Punjab De.’ In an interview, Mandeep Singh mentioned that Deep Sidhu never talked about him and somewhere disliked him. He claimed that Deep had Amritpal’s number blocked in his phone. While talking about Amritpal’s designation as the head of the ‘Waris Punjab De’ group, Mandeep Sidhu said,
An impression is being given that Deep Sidhu had groomed Amritpal and our family is a party to the decision to appoint Amritpal as the head. However, this is not true. In fact, Deep never talked about Amritpal and seemed he disliked him. He had blocked Amritpal’s phone for 15 days in January and February.”
Controversy
House Arrest Under Sudhir Suri’s Murder Case
Reportedly, following the murder case of the leader of state-based Shiv Sena (Taksali), Sudhir Suri, who was shot dead on 4 November 2022 during a protest outside the Gopal Mandir in Amritsar, the Punjab government was told by the ministry of home affairs to monitor the activities of Amritpal Singh following which he was kept house arrested at Singha village in Moga, Punjab. According to the sources, Sudhir Suri’s family held Amritpal responsible for his death. Amritpal, however, was kept under house arrest for security purposes. Reportedly, around nine CCTV cameras were placed on the lanes connecting his two houses in the village to keep an eye on him.
Facts/Trivia
- Amritpal Singh claims that despite of no formal religious schooling, he could cite the tales of historical struggles and injustices against Sikhs.
- In an interview, Amritpal Singh mentioned Bhindranwale, a militant and leader of the Sikh organization ‘Damdami Taksal’ and the protagonist of the Khalistan movement, as his “inspiration”. He said that he wanted to be like him. Amritpal Singh said,
Bhindranwale is my inspiration. I will walk the path shown by him. I want to be like him because that’s what every Sikh wants, but I am not copying him. I am not even equal to dust of his feet.”
- Reportedly, Amritpal’s uncle, Harjit Singh, told the media that when Amritpal, along with one of his classmates, decided to cut their hair, the family was disappointed; however, on his return to Punjab from Dubai and taking Amrit (holy water), his uncle expressed his happiness. While talking about changes in Amritpal, Harjit Singh said,
Our family is very religious. When Amritpal drifted away from it, we didn’t like it. He told us that he and another boy, his classmate, had planned to cut their hair. While Amritpal cut his hair, that boy ran away. We are very happy that he has taken Amrit (holy water) now.”
Amritpal Singh’s look before returning to Punajb
- According to Amritpal, he used to be aggressive but returning to Punjab and adapting to the culture of Sikhism turned him into a calm person. Amritpal Singh in an interview said,
I used to be aggressive. Now I don’t hold grudges. If someone criticises me, that doesn’t depress me anymore. I have a very large vision.”