Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Friday flayed the Opposition for raising doubts over the arrest of British citizen Jagtar Singh Johal in the targeted killing cases, accusing them of acting against state’s interest by echoing the baseless statements of some foreign elements.

Reacting to statements by Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders questioning Jagtar’s arrest, the CM termed their comments as unfortunate and not in the interest of Punjab and its people.

By deciding to side with those who were conspiring to malign the Punjab police and government, these parties had exposed their total lack of interest in the welfare of the state, Amarinder said in a statement issued here.

Describing all those opposing Jagtar’s arrest and seeking his release as working against the interests of India, particularly Punjab, Amarinder said by making unfounded allegations against the Punjab government and police, such elements were trying to disturb the state’s peace and harmony.

There was a well-planned conspiracy at work in this whole affair, said the CM, challenging such people to prove their allegations of human rights violation of the accused.

From being allowed to talk to his family to having consular access, and from his medical examinations to his timely production in court, the due process of law had been followed at every step from the moment of Jagtar’s arrest, according to Amarinder.

The CM said his government was more concerned about maintaining Punjab’s peace and stability rather than worrying about perceived embarrassment at the hands of foreign forces which had no stake in India’s security or development.

Jagtar alias Jaggi was arrested only after his role in the conspiracy to kill Hindu leaders was confirmed on the basis of specific inputs about his linkages in these crimes, said Amarinder adding that law will take its own course in the matter.

The whole issue was being sought to be politicised by certain pro-Khalistani elements and it was unfortunate that Punjab’s own leaders were adding their voice to these elements, the CM lamented.

Radical elements based in Britain and some other countries had launched a false and slanderous orchestrated media campaign against the Punjab government, he said.

The CM pointed out that none of the foreign governments that were reportedly decrying Jagtar’s arrest and alleging his torture had approached either his government or the Indian government on the issue.