Amritsar Nirankari Bhawan Attack: Akali Dal blames Punjab government for suspected terror strike

The Opposition Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) on Sunday termed the Amritsar Nirankari Bhawan attack a “complete failure of law and order” in the Amarinder Singh-led Congress government. Expressing his condolences, SAD leader Manjinder S Sirsa said, “I am shocked at the laxity of Amarinder Singh’s govt! This is a complete failure of law & order in Congress rule. At least three people were killed and 10 others sustained serious injuries after two suspected bike-borne terrorists hurled hand grenades at Nirankari Bhawan in Amritsar’s Rajasansi village.

The blast occurred at a congregation of the Sant Nirankari – a spiritual organisation. Around 250 people were present inside the building where suspected terrorists hurled hand grenades.

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“Out of 250 people who were present in the religious congregation, 3 dead & 15-20 injured. As per initial reports, 2 people had come over here who lobbed a grenade here,” IG (Border) Surinder Pal Singh Parmar told reporters at the spot.

Following the attack, security has been increased outside Nirankari Ashram in Delhi. Security agencies have sounded a high alert in Punjab and neighbouring states. All the border areas have been sealed and extra police force deployed at the entry points.

Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh announced the ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh each for the kin of deceased and free treatment for injured in all the government and private hospitals.

“My heart goes out to victims of the Amritsar bomb blast & their families. My govt will give Rs 5 lakh each to the kin of the dead and free treatment to injured. Have asked district administration to extend all help,” Singh tweeted.

The chief minister urged people to remain calm and maintain peace. He also assured them that will not let the “forces of terror” destroy the hard-earned peace.

“I appeal to the people of Punjab to maintain peace in wake of Amritsar bomb blast. I urge them not to panic and to remain calm. We will not let the forces of terror destroy our hard-earned peace,” the CM added.

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Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh termed the grenade attack a “reprehensible act of violence” and assured strongest possible action against the perpetrators.

“Spoke to the Chief Minister of Punjab, Amarinder ji who has apprised me of the situation in the wake of the grenade attack in Amritsar. Strongest possible action will be taken against the perpetrators of this crime,” Singh wrote on Twitter.