Third blast near Golden Temple in a week, 5 held
Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS) personnel examine the spot where a blast took place near Golden Temple at Heritage street on May 8, 2023 in Amritsar. (Photo Credit: Getty Images)
Five suspects, including a woman, have been arrested by the Punjab Police following yet another low-intensity blast near the Golden Temple in Amritsar at 12: 15 am today(May 11), reported PTI. This incident marks the third explosion to occur within a span of less than a week.
According to CCTV footage, the suspect was seen throwing the bomb from the second floor of the inn, into the pathway near the Golden Temple. The police have recovered two bags and some torn papers from the suspects."The suspects are being rounded up and the probe is on," Commissioner of Police Naunihal Singh told reporters.
VIDEO | "We received a report of a 'loud sound' around 12.15 AM last night. It is suspected there is a possibility of another blast. But it's not yet confirmed it was an explosion. We are investigating it," says Naunihal Singh, Commissioner of Police, Amritsar. https://t.co/ws8fnGT8AW pic.twitter.com/rFrYn0xoEv
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) May 11, 2023
The heritage street near the Golden Temple experienced two consecutive blasts on May 6 and May 8, injuring one person each, which has created panic among visiting devotees and locals.
Probable reasons for the blasts
- The absence of a triggering mechanism employing crude devices leading to the series of low-intensity blasts points at intentions to disrupt peace in the area. According to police sources(as reported in The Tribune), none of the five individuals arrested are affiliated with any terrorist organization.
- However, the blasts near the Golden Temple, especially when Punjab is going through a tumultuous phase with cases of sacrilege and secession is bound to trigger doubts and questions in the minds of the people. Therefore the terror angle is hard to rule out.
A cause of concern
- In light of the recent resurgence of the Khalistan movement in Punjab with Waris Punjab De's chief Amritpal Singh openly voicing for the creation of an independent Sikh Homeland, ugly events during the farmer's protests, disrespect of the tricolour in Red Fort, clashes with police in Ajnala, subsequent snatching of arms and ammunitions of the police, events of pro-Khalistani demonstrations abroad has brought back scars from the past.
- Bordering Pakistan, Punjab has been prey to ISI's ill motives for a long time with the supply of drugs, funds, and arms to the secessionists and the promotion of anti-India sentiments among the people.
- The recent blasts should not be seen as stand-alone cases of terror, but, subject to investigation, could be linked to a bigger plot to destabilise the unstable state.