'Hiding in Nepal': Indian Embassy Gives Kathmandu Heads Up on Amritpal Singh

Meanwhile, the Twitter handle of BBC Punjabi was 'withheld' in India due to a legal demand.

Waris Punjab De chief Amritpal Singh's name has been included in the surveillance list maintained by the Nepal government.

(Photo: Sourced by The Quint)

Waris Punjab De chief Amritpal Singh's name has been included in the surveillance list maintained by the Nepal government.

To the point: The action was taken by Nepal's Department of Immigration following a request from the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu, according to a document accessed by The Quint.

• The department was requested "not to permit Amritpal Singh to travel through Nepal for any third country and arrest Amritpal Singh if, he attempts to escape from Nepal using Indian passport or any other fake passport..."

• The embassy's request also outlined Amritpal's physical features such as age (30 years), complexion (fair wheatish), and height (above six feet)

• Agencies in the neighbouring country are also keeping a close eye on the India-Nepal border, local media reported

Of note: "Amritpal Singh is currently hiding in Nepal," the Indian mission's request read, further adding that he "may try to escape through Nepal on an Indian Passport or fake Passport of any other country."

Why it matters: This news comes after photos purportedly showing Amritpal and his aide Papalpreet Singh recently went viral online. The separatist leader continues to be on the run since the Punjab Police started taking strong action against members of his outfit Waris Punjab De on 18 March.

Meanwhile, Varinder Singh alias Fauji, who reportedly has close ties with Amritpal was arrested by Amritsar Rural Police.

On the down-low: The Twitter account of BBC Punjabi was 'withheld' or blocked in India due to a legal demand.

• A total of 122 Twitter accounts were similarly 'withheld' at the request of the Indian government on 19 March, The Quint reported

• Most of these handles did not appear to have ties with Waris Punjab De

• Internet and SMS services continue to be suspended in parts of the state

• Many Punjab-based journalists have also claimed that they are facing intimidation from the police