Himachal Pradesh seals borders after Khalistan-related vandalism

Amid the referendum call of the banned outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), the Khalistan-related vandalism at the Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly building has escalated tensions. Borders of the state have been sealed with police barricades.

Hotels and other probable hideouts are under watch. Bomb disposal units are on high alert and critical state infrastructure security has been strengthened. Along with tight security along state borders with neighbouring states - Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Uttarakhand, Haryana, and Punjab, intensive night patrolling by cops has also been ordered, reported NDTV.

The banned outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) called for a 'Khalistan' referendum on June 6 in Himachal Pradesh. Flags of Khalistan were found over the gates and boundary wall of the Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly in Dharamshala. Pro-Khalistan graffiti was also found on the wall.

Chief Minister Thakur tweeted saying he condemned the cowardly incident of raising Khalistan flags at the gate of Dharamshala Assembly Complex in the dark of night. He added that the vandals took advantage of the low security because only the winter session is held in Dharamshala.

"This incident will be investigated immediately and strict action will be taken against the culprits. I would like to tell those people that if you have the courage, then come out in the light of day, not in the dark of night," he said in a second tweet.

Such developments were warned by an intelligence alert issued on April 26. It said the Sikhs for Justice, Gurupatwant Singh Pannu wrote to the Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister warning that the flag of Bhindranwale and Khalistan would be hoisted in Shimla.

Chief Minister Jairam Thakur ordered an investigation and the state police had said they suspect tourists from Punjab.