The leader of the self-proclaimed Shiv Sena (Bal Thackeray), Harish Singla, has been apprehended in connection with the violent incidents in Patiala that occurred on Friday. He is recognized as a prominent figure among Punjab’s Hindu right-wing leaders, actively opposing Sikh radicals and those sympathetic to Khalistani ideologies. Coming from a middle-class background devoid of any political lineage, Singla has been granted security by the Punjab Police due to threats against his life stemming from his staunch anti-Khalistan stance. This security detail, which has been incrementally diminished over time, has ironically become a symbol of his status within the community. In his 50s, Singla plays a pivotal role in organizing the Dussehra festival in Patiala, attracting visits from notable politicians, including former Chief Minister Captain Amrinder Singh. Much of his year is dedicated to fundraising for this significant event, alongside orchestrating various anti-Khalistan and anti-Pakistan initiatives throughout the city.
In response to events that honor figures such as Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale or the assassins of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, Singla has taken the initiative to organize memorial events for General AS Vaidya, a former army chief who was killed by Sikh militants as retribution for Operation Bluestar. This effort underscores his commitment to countering narratives that he perceives as glorifying violence against the Indian state, while simultaneously reinforcing his own position within the socio-political landscape of Punjab.
