Why Amritpal Singh, his aides taken to Assam's Dibrugarh jail

Amritpal Singh arrest: Amritpal Singh, a radical preacher who was on the run since March 18, was sent to Assams's Dibrugarh Central Jail hours after surrendering to Punjab police on Sunday. His several close aides are already in the high-security jail, which is one of the oldest and most secured in the northeast.

Those taken to Assam jail are - Daljit Singh Kalsi, Papalpreet Singh, Kulwant Singh Dhaliwal, Varinder Singh Johal, Gurmeet Singh Bukkanwala, Harjit Singh, Bhagwant Singh, Basant Singh and Gurinderpal Singh Aujla

Reason for taking Amritpal to Assam

The reason for choosing Assam jail for Amritpal Singh and his aides is still unknown. However, several reports indicate that the Dibrugarh jail is well-fortified prison and was used to imprison key militants during the peak of ULFA militancy in Assam. The British built it on 15.54 acres of land in 1859-60. According to officials, it is one of the oldest and most fortified jails in the country.

Another reason for Amritpal Singh and his aides' transit to Assam is that North Indian jails are more likely to have gangsters associated with him or the separatist movement.

Sources have cited the language barrier as another reason to prevent Amritpal from connecting with other inmates and jail staff. Moreover, it is said that the local Sikh community is not sympathetic to the Khalistan movement.

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In its over 170-year history, Dibrugarh Jail has also never had a major prison break incident, adding to its reputation as a very safe prison. The jail's central location in Dibrugarh is also advantageous for authorities in terms of preventing escape attempts as opposed to a location on the outskirts of town or remote areas.

Since March 19, when four members of the 'Waris Punjab De' (WPD) were brought in, security around the facility has been increased. According to reports, the jail now has 24-hour three-tier security.

"The jail compound has been surrounded by Assam Police's elite Black Cat Commandos, CRPF and other security personnel," said an official.

Furthermore, according to local media sources, new CCTV cameras have been installed in front of the cells where Amritpal Singh's aides are being held, and malfunctioning cameras have been repaired or replaced.

Waris Punjab De head Amritpal Singh surrendered before Punjab's Moga Police police on Sunday morning. Before surrendering, Amritpal Singh gave a lecture (watch) at the gurdwara.

Amritpal Singh, who had been on the run for almost 36 days, also faces NSA.

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