Historical Context and News for Competitive Exam Preparation

Amritpal Singh and Engineer Rashid to Take Oath as MPs in Delhi

Background: Amritpal Singh, a Sikh separatist, and Sheikh Abdul Rashid, also known as ‘Engineer Rashid’, are set to be brought to Delhi to take their oaths as Members of Parliament (MPs). Both individuals are currently incarcerated under different legal provisions. Amritpal Singh, who won the parliamentary seat from Punjab’s Khadoor Sahib, is detained in Assam’s Dibrugarh jail under the Public Safety Act. Engineer Rashid, who secured victory from Kashmir’s Baramulla constituency, is held in Tihar jail under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act.

Details of the Event:

• Amritpal Singh:

  • Amritpal Singh will be flown from Assam to Delhi on a special aircraft arranged by the Punjab government.
  • He has been granted a four-day parole by the district magistrate of Amritsar, but his movements will be restricted to Parliament for the oath-taking ceremony.
  • The ceremony will take place in the Speaker’s chamber, and he will be returned to Assam the same day.
  • His family will be allowed to meet him but cannot interact with the media or record any statements.

• Engineer Rashid:

  • Rashid will be brought from Tihar jail to Parliament and will also be returned the same day.
  • His son, Abrar Rashid, who campaigned for him, will be present during the ceremony.

Legal Context:

• Amritpal Singh:

  • Detained under the Public Safety Act, a law that allows for preventive detention for up to two years without a trial.

• Engineer Rashid:

  • Accused of receiving terror funds, Rashid has been in Tihar jail since 2019.
  • The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has accused him of being a direct recipient of funds from Pakistan and its agencies, including international terrorist Hafiz Saeed.
  • The funds were allegedly used to support separatist and terrorist activities in Jammu & Kashmir, including stone-throwing, burning schools, and damaging public property.

Historical Context:

• Public Safety Act (PSA): Enacted in 1978 in Jammu & Kashmir, the PSA allows for the detention of individuals without trial for up to two years. It has been a controversial law, often criticized for its potential for misuse.
• Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA): This act was passed in 1967 to prevent unlawful activities and associations in India. It has been amended several times to include more stringent measures against terrorism and activities threatening the sovereignty and integrity of India.

Summary:

• Amritpal Singh and Engineer Rashid, both currently jailed, will be brought to Delhi to take their oaths as MPs.
• Amritpal Singh is detained under the Public Safety Act in Assam, while Rashid is held under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act in Tihar jail.
• Both will be returned to their respective jails on the same day after the oath-taking ceremony.
• The NIA has accused Rashid of receiving terror funds from Pakistan to support separatist activities in Jammu & Kashmir.

Bullet Points:

• Amritpal Singh and Engineer Rashid to take oaths as MPs in Delhi.
• Amritpal Singh detained under the Public Safety Act in Assam.
• Engineer Rashid held under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act in Tihar jail.
• Both will be returned to jail the same day after the ceremony.
• NIA accuses Rashid of receiving terror funds from Pakistan.
• Historical context includes the Public Safety Act (1978) and the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (1967).