Chandigrah: Two explosions near important security locations in the northern Indian state of Punjab have raised fresh concerns about militant activity in the border state. The blasts took place late Tuesday night in Jalandhar and Amritsar districts, leading to heightened security measures across Punjab. Authorities confirmed that no casualties were reported in either incident, though the attacks caused panic among residents and triggered a large scale investigation.
The first explosion occurred near the Border Security Force headquarters area in Jalandhar. According to police officials, an explosive device believed to have been placed on a scooter detonated near the security complex. The blast damaged nearby vehicles and shattered windows of some buildings and shops in the area. Residents said the explosion was loud enough to shake nearby homes and create fear among local people.
Security personnel quickly reached the spot and sealed off the area. Forensic experts and bomb disposal squads later began collecting evidence to determine the nature of the explosive device used in the attack. Investigators are also examining CCTV footage from nearby streets and businesses to identify those responsible.
A few hours later, another explosion was reported near the Khasa military cantonment area in Amritsar district, close to the India Pakistan border. Preliminary reports suggest that attackers on a motorcycle may have hurled a grenade before fleeing the scene. Security officials believe the second blast may have been planned to create fear and send a message by targeting locations connected to India’s defence forces.
Soon after the incidents, a group calling itself the Khalistan Liberation Army claimed responsibility for the attacks through statements circulated online. The group said the blasts were carried out to avenge the death of militant Ranjit Singh, who was killed in a police encounter in Punjab earlier this year. The outfit also claimed that security personnel had died in the attacks, but police strongly denied the statement and clarified that there were no injuries or deaths.
Punjab Police officials said investigations are still at an early stage and authorities are trying to determine whether the two explosions were coordinated attacks. Senior officers stated that all possible angles, including cross border links and local support networks, are being examined carefully.
Following the blasts, security was tightened at military camps, police stations, government offices and public gathering areas across Punjab. Additional police patrols were deployed in sensitive border districts, and checkpoints were increased on major roads leading to important installations.
The incidents have also sparked political reactions in the state. Opposition leaders criticised the Punjab government, accusing it of failing to control rising security threats. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, however, accused rival political groups of attempting to create fear and instability ahead of upcoming elections. He assured the public that the government would take strict action against anyone involved in disturbing peace in the state.
Punjab has witnessed several security related incidents in recent months, including grenade attacks on police stations and arrests linked to extremist groups supporting the Khalistan movement. Security agencies have repeatedly warned about attempts by foreign based handlers to revive militant networks in the border state.
Experts say the latest blasts are worrying because they targeted locations connected to national security forces. Even though the attacks caused limited physical damage, officials believe the incidents were designed to spread fear and challenge the state’s security system.
Investigations by Punjab Police, intelligence agencies and central security forces are continuing as authorities work to identify those behind the attacks and prevent further incidents.