Pro-Khalistan elements linked to 'Waris Punjab De' plotting my assassination: Union Minister Bittu

The conspiracy has been "exposed" through leaked screenshots of a chat on social media platforms, he claimed. Bittu also attacked the AAP government for what he described as a "lenient stance" towards criminal elements masquerading as political activists.

Chandigarh: Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu on Sunday alleged that some pro-Khalistan elements linked to 'Waris Punjab De' outfit--whose chief is radical preacher Amritpal Singh--were plotting to assassinate him and other political leaders in Punjab.

The conspiracy has been "exposed" through leaked screenshots of a chat on social media platforms, he claimed.

In a statement, Bittu said that the central government has also taken a serious note of the plot hatched by the leaders of 'Waris Punjab De'. He warned that the activities of such groups were pushing the state towards instability reminiscent of its dark past.

The screenshots of the WhatsApp chat revealed its members' intention to target Bittu and Union Home Minister Amit Shah over the extension of Khadoor Sahib MP Amritpal Singh's detention under the National Security Act for one more year.

The Punjab government has extended the detention of Amritpal by one more year.

Amritpal (32) is currently lodged in Assam's Dibrugarh jail. He was put in detention under the NSA after he was arrested on April 23, 2023.

Amritpal's father Tarsem Singh on Sunday slammed the AAP government for extending his son's detention under the NSA.

Amritpal, who styled himself after slain Khalistani militant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, was arrested in Moga's Rode village on April 23, 2023 following more than a month-long manhunt.

Bittu, meanwhile, attacked the AAP government for what he described as a "lenient stance" towards criminal elements masquerading as political activists.

"The Centre will not allow anti-national forces to destabilise Punjab," Bittu said.

Reaffirming his commitment to peace and unity, Bittu reminded his family's legacy of sacrifice.

"My grandfather (Beant Singh) laid down his life for peace in Punjab. I come from a family of martyrs and I am not intimidated by extremist threats. I will not allow Punjab to descend into darkness again. Those behind this conspiracy will face the consequences," he asserted.