Grenade attack on Amritsar temple: First such attack on religious place in Punjab

Grenade attack on Amritsar temple: – A grenade was hurled at a temple in Khandwala area of ​​Amritsar late last night, in what is being described as the first attack on a religious place in Punjab. In the attack that took place around midnight, two gunmen on a motorcycle hurled explosives at the temple.

Footage of the attack from CCTV cameras showed the suspects hurling the grenade towards the wall of the temple, where the building suffered extensive damage. No one was injured in the blast. The priest and his family, who live on the top floor of the temple, were not hurt in the blast. The authorities responded promptly to the attack and top police officials reached the spot soon after. Investigations are currently underway.

The attack is notable because it is the first time a religious centre has been attacked in a series of similar attacks in the region in the last four months. A total of 12 grenade attacks have been carried out in the same period, although these attacks too have been mostly on police facilities, including foreign gangsters who resorted to terrorism.

Local officials like Kiranpreet Singh also condemned the attack, calling it an attempt to disrupt the peaceful nature of Punjab. “This attack is an attempt to create fear and divide people in Punjab,” Singh said. “We need to stand together and work towards peace in our communities.”

While officials are attempting to identify the attackers and their motives, the grenade attack has created panic in the area, with concerns over security and fears of escalating violence. Police have assured people that every effort will be made to provide for the general safety of religious sites and residents.

The grenade attack has further strengthened the ongoing debate on the escalating violence in Punjab, while others are seeking answers about the involvement of foreign-based groups in Punjab’s turmoil. Officials are considering the possibility of terrorist and organised crime syndicates behind these attacks.

As the investigation progresses, the citizens of Amritsar and Punjab are hoping for speedy justice and more security measures to ensure that there are no further attacks on their religious and community areas.