Officers from the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has learnt about the presence of a Khalistani group in the state. The fact came to light after the arrest and interrogation of 42-year-old Khalistani supporter Harpalsingh Nagra alias Naik. Nagra was also associated with Punjab Referendum 2020 campaign, police sources said. Nagra, a native of Bellary in Karnataka, originally hails from Ropar in Punjab. On receipt of specific information, Nagra was caught with illegal possession of a country-made pistol and five live rounds from Chakan area of Pune on December 02. “Nagra was found to be associated with social media groups that are openly talking about the liberation of Khalistan. He was also associated with Punjab Referendum 2020 campaign, which is to liberate Punjab from India,” said a source from home department. The campaign aims to gauge the will of the Punjabi people in regard to re-establishing Punjab as a nation-state and to give the people of Punjab an opportunity to vote on their future political status, an official said. “As per the campaign, once they establish consensus on the question of independence through this unofficial referendum, they would present the case to the United Nations with a request for them to intervene and negotiate an agreement between the Punjabi peoples and India for holding an independence referendum in Punjab for reestablishing the country of Punjab,” the official said. The aim is to get 5 million votes in support of independence for Punjab through the Punjab Referendum 2020. “The voting in this unofficial referendum will be conducted in 20 countries. The countries will include the state of Punjab currently occupied by India, USA, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand and other countries of Europe and Asia,” the official said. Nagra had been effectively using the internet and social media to procure weapons and instigate youths to carry out terrorist activities in India. “For the purpose of independent Khalistan, he was in touch with like-minded people in India, Pakistan and other foreign countries,” said a police officer. Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, who is associated with Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), a pro-Khalistan outfit, on Tuesday, tweeted “SFJ will provide legal defense in the matter.” CRIME SHEET

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