Explosive Attack on Thakurdwara Temple in Amritsar Linked to Pakistan
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Synopsis
On March 15, two attackers hurled an explosive at the Thakurdwara Temple in Amritsar, causing significant damage but fortunately no injuries. The police suspect involvement from Pakistan in this alarming incident, with political leaders demanding investigations into the deteriorating law and order situation in Punjab during Holi festivities.
Key Takeaways
- Explosive Attack on Thakurdwara Temple in Amritsar.
- Police suspect Pakistan's involvement.
- Political leaders demand investigations into deteriorating law and order.
- The attack aimed to instill fear during Holi celebrations.
- Authorities urge vigilance against cross-border terrorism.
Chandigarh, March 15 (NationPress) In a disturbing incident at a religious site in Punjab's Amritsar city, located near the Pakistan border, two attackers launched an explosive device at the Thakurdwara Temple complex, causing significant damage to its walls and breaking several window panes.
The police are currently pursuing leads on the suspects and have indicated a potential connection to Pakistan in this act.
CCTV footage captured the assailants arriving on a motorcycle, which displayed a flag. After a brief period of observation, one of them threw a grenade before both fled the scene.
Authorities suspect this act was part of a calculated effort to instill fear during the Holi celebrations.
The explosion resulted in damage to the temple's structure. Fortunately, a priest and his family, who were staying on the upper floor of the temple, remained unharmed.
The Shiromani Akali Dal has criticized the Bhagwant Mann-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, demanding a judicial inquiry, while BJP National General Secretary Tarun Chugh has called for a CBI investigation to uncover those attempting to disrupt law and order in Punjab.
Expressing serious concerns about the alarming frequency of grenade attacks in the region, Chugh stated that the AAP government, under Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, has utterly failed to manage hostile elements within the state.
Akali Dal leader Daljit Cheema remarked that the incident, which has wounded community sentiments, appears to be part of a scheme to disrupt peace and communal harmony in Punjab.
He added, "This is the 13th such explosion in the region and a clear indication of the total breakdown of law and order in the state."
Cheema also urged both the Union and state governments to take moral responsibility for these events and to refrain from meddling in the religious matters of Sikhs, emphasizing the dangers of provoking those seeking to unlawfully control Sikh institutions.
Kiranpreet Singh, a local resident and lawyer, recounted, "Around midnight, two individuals arrived on a motorcycle, stopped outside the Thakurdwara Mandir, surveyed the area, and threw a grenade at the temple. The blast was so intense that it affected nearby buildings, shattering windows. The police arrived shortly after, and based on the evidence, this was a grenade attack."
Amritsar Police Commissioner Gurpreet Singh Bhullar confirmed to the media that Pakistan is attempting to instigate unrest in the area, with some local youths potentially involved. He urged young people not to engage in such activities.
In response to the incident, Chief Minister Mann stated that being a border state, various malicious forces are plotting to disrupt Punjab's hard-won peace.
However, he assured that the vigilant Punjab Police have consistently thwarted such attempts, as the police force has been updated to meet advanced demands in investigation, science, and technology.
CM Mann expressed confidence that the Punjab Police would continue to uphold their commitment to serving the community while protecting the unity, integrity, and sovereignty of the nation.
The Chief Minister described the grenade attack in Amritsar as a product of divisive forces aiming to destabilize the peace, progress, and prosperity of the state.
He emphasized that the government would not permit these elements to succeed in their malicious plans and that all conspiracies would be thwarted.
Mann asserted that the law and order situation in Punjab is far superior to that of other states, as the Punjab Police maintain vigilant oversight.
The Chief Minister highlighted that Punjab has historically been a victim of cross-border terrorism and is actively combating the nation's war against drugs and terrorism.
He noted that drones have frequently been used to smuggle drugs, weapons, and other contraband into the state from across the border.
Punjab Congress President Amarinder Singh Raja Warring stated that this incident has further undermined public confidence in the AAP government.
"There exists an atmosphere of fear and terror in the state due to such attacks," he remarked, pointing out that numerous similar grenade incidents have occurred in border areas targeting police stations.
He criticized the government for attempting to downplay the incident, asserting that it must be taken seriously and appears to be a calculated effort to instill fear among the populace.
He cautioned that Punjab cannot endure another dark period of terror and that such threats must be addressed immediately.
Partap Singh Bajwa, the Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly, called for Chief Minister Mann's resignation, who also oversees the Home Ministry.
"This marks the 13th incident in Punjab's border region since mid-November. Previous attacks targeted police stations and personnel. In this instance, two men on a motorcycle launched explosives towards the Thakurdwara temple, potentially inciting communal tensions in the state," Bajwa stated.
The temple grenade attack occurred just a day after three motorcycle-riding assailants killed Mangat Rai Manga, the district president of Shiv Sena, in Punjab's Moga district, due to "personal rivalry."
Two others, including an 11-year-old boy, were injured in the shooting.
