Punjab CM condemns attempts to disrupt peace after Amritsar Temple blast
text_fields
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has strongly condemned ongoing attempts to destabilise the state following a blast at Thakurdwara Temple in Khandwala, Amritsar.
The explosion occurred late Friday night when two unidentified men on a motorcycle threw a suspected explosive at the temple.
Addressing the incident, Mann stated that repeated efforts are being made to portray Punjab as a disturbed state. He emphasised that while issues like drug trafficking, gang activity, and extortion exist, Punjab’s law and order situation remains stable.
"There are constant attempts to disrupt Punjab’s peace. These incidents are orchestrated to create an impression that Punjab is in turmoil. However, unlike in other states where Holi processions required police intervention, Punjab remains largely peaceful," the Chief Minister asserted.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported in the temple blast. Authorities have launched an investigation, with forensic teams analyzing the site and reviewing CCTV footage.
Amritsar Police Commissioner GPS Bhullar pointed to the involvement of Pakistan’s intelligence agency, ISI, in instigating unrest among Punjab’s youth.
"We received information around 2 a.m. and immediately reached the site. The forensic team has been called in, and we are working with the community to gather information. We are confident of solving this case within days and will take strict action against the culprits," he said.
In a separate incident, Punjab police conducted a joint operation in Moga to apprehend suspects involved in the murder of Shiv Sena leader Mangat Ram. The political leader was shot dead on March 13 in a targeted attack.
The operation, carried out by CIA Moga and CIA Malout, led police to a hideout in Angadpura Mohalla, Moga, where the accused were cornered. As police moved in for the arrest, the suspects opened fire. Reports indicate that two bullets were fired from a 0.32 pistol and three from a 0.30 pistol. In response, officers fired back, striking two of the accused in the legs.
The arrested individuals were identified as Arun alias Deepu, son of Gurpreet Singh; Arun alias Singha, son of Babbu Singh; and Rajveer alias Laddo, son of Ashok Kumar. All three were taken to the Civil Hospital in Malout for medical treatment.
According to the police, the attack on Mangat Ram was well-planned. The assailants first opened fire in a saloon, injuring a bystander, before chasing Mangat Ram through the streets and fatally shooting him near a stadium. Authorities have named six individuals in the case, and investigations are ongoing.