Punjab Newsline | Chandigarh/Jalandhar/Amritsar
Punjab's security agencies were placed on high alert on Thursday after five prominent temples in the state and the Punjab Civil Secretariat in Chandigarh received bomb threats via email.
The threatening message claimed that explosions would take place between 1:11 pm and 3:11 pm and linked the planned attacks to revenge for the Indian Army's operation at the Golden Temple in June 1984.
The temples named in the email include Durgiana Temple in Amritsar, Mukteshwar Temple in Pathankot, Devi Talab Temple in Jalandhar, Maiserkhana Temple in Bathinda and Kali Devi Temple in Patiala. The email also threatened the Punjab Secretariat in Chandigarh.
Following the alert, police, bomb disposal squads and other security agencies rushed to the affected locations and launched extensive search operations. Security was tightened around all identified sites, while surrounding areas were thoroughly checked.
Officials said no suspicious object had been found during the initial searches. However, authorities are treating the threat seriously and maintaining heightened vigilance.
The email contained pro-Khalistan slogans and warned of bomb and grenade attacks targeting Hindu temples. It also referenced the June 6, 1984 military action at the Golden Temple and issued warnings against travel in parts of Punjab, Haryana and the Ambala-Delhi route.
Cyber crime experts and intelligence agencies have begun tracing the origin of the email. Investigators are working to identify the sender, determine the authenticity of the threat and establish whether any organised group is involved.
Authorities have urged the public to remain calm and cooperate with security personnel while the investigation continues.
