‘Pakistani design to create unrest’: Punjab DGP says twin blasts coincide with Operation Sindoor anniversary

NEW DELHI: Punjab director general of police Gaurav Yadav on Wednesday visited the sites of the blasts in Amritsar and Jalandhar, saying preliminary findings point to the involvement of Pakistan-backed elements attempting to disrupt peace in the state.Speaking to reporters after inspecting the Khassa cantonment boundary wall in Amritsar, Yadav said the incident appears to be part of an “ISI-designed” attempt to create unrest.“We suspect that with the anniversary of Operation Sindoor approaching, this could be part of Pakistan’s ISI design to cause disruptions in Punjab,” he said as reported by news agency ANI.He confirmed that a low-intensity explosion occurred near the army area boundary wall at Khassa cantonment on Tuesday night. Following the incident, teams from Punjab Police, the Bomb Disposal Squad, and forensic experts were deployed to sanitise the area and collect evidence for scientific analysis.“Yesterday, a low-intensity explosion was reported at the boundary wall of the army camp in Khassa cantonment. Senior officers, bomb disposal teams, and forensic experts reached the spot, secured the area, and collected samples for examination,” the DGP said.An FIR has been registered under relevant sections of law, and a coordinated investigation is underway with the Army and other agencies. Multiple teams are examining human intelligence, technical inputs, and forensic evidence to determine the exact nature and origin of the blasts, he added.Meanwhile, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has moved to assist in the probe and is sending teams to both Jalandhar and Amritsar to gather evidence and support the state police.The incidents have triggered political reactions, with Congress leader Raj Kumar alleging a possible conspiracy linked to the upcoming elections and questioning both the Centre and the state government over security lapses.Leader of opposition Partap Singh Bajwa said back-to-back blasts within hours cannot be dismissed as coincidence and urged swift action to identify those responsible. He warned that rising fear and speculation could deepen uncertainty in the state.Punjab Congress chief Amarinder Singh Raja Warring also expressed concern, calling the incidents “deeply alarming” and demanding accountability, citing repeated intelligence and security failures.On the ground, police have restricted movement in parts of Amritsar as investigations continue. Assistant Sub-Inspector Karam Singh said certain roads near the blast site have been closed for surveillance purposes.The explosion near Khassa cantonment was reported around 10:50 pm on Tuesday, prompting a swift response from police and army personnel. No casualties were reported.With central and state agencies now jointly probing the incidents, officials say all angles, including cross-border links are under investigation as more forensic and intelligence inputs are awaited.(With agency inputs)