Chandigarh: Jathedar of Akal Takht Giani Harpreet Singh urged fugitive Khalistani separatist leader Amritpal Singh to surrender to the police and cooperate with the investigation, a media report said.

The leader of the Akal Takht, which is the highest temporal authority for Sikhs, expressed scepticism about the competence of the police in their efforts to apprehend the self-proclaimed Sikh preacher, despite their large presence and resources.

Singh made these statements following the recent actions of the Punjab Police against Amritpal Singh, a radical preacher, and his organization, 'Waris Punjab De.'

Amritpal Singh has been evading the police since the crackdown began on March 18, using multiple vehicles to avoid arrest.

Despite being intercepted by the police in Jalandhar district, the preacher managed to escape their custody, and his current location is unknown.

The Punjab government has imposed the strictest National Security Act (NSA) against him and his aides.

In a video message released on Saturday, the Jathedar expressed the concerns of Sikhs worldwide about how Amritpal Singh had managed to evade arrest despite a large police force in the state, which raises questions about the police's efficiency.

The Jathedar urged the police to clarify whether the preacher had already been apprehended, as his parents had expressed fears about his detention.

Additionally, he asked the police to keep in mind that the Sikh youths detained in connection with the Amritpal Singh case had not committed significant offenses.

Amritpal Singh and his associates have been charged in numerous police cases.

The Jathedar of Akal Takht has organised a special meeting to discuss the situation in Punjab.

The gathering will include representatives from approximately 60 to 70 Sikh organisations, seminaries, and Nihang groups, but no political parties will be in attendance.