Amritsar Blast: Attackers Threw HE-36 Series Grenade, Used by Pakistani Army, at Nirankari Bhawan: Reports

Yesterday, while condemning the attack CM Amarinder Singh had said that the possibility of involvement of ISI-based Khalistani/Kashmiri terror groups could not be ruled out.

New Delhi: A day after three people were killed and 22 were left injured in an attack on a Nirankari congregation in Amritsar, it has been reported that the assailants had used HE 36 series grenade, mainly used by the Pakistani Army. Meanwhile, a high-level meeting in this regard is underway at the Home Ministry. Senior officials from IB, RAW and MHA are also present in the meet.

The NIA team, which is inspecting the blast site, held discussions with Punjab DGP and DG Intelligence. It is reportedly probing the ‘terror’ angle, including the possibility of involvement of ISI-based Khalistani terror groups in the attack.

Delhi: High-level security meeting chaired by Home Minister Rajnath Singh underway. Senior officials from IB, RAW and MHA also present

— ANI (@ANI) November 19, 2018

Earlier in the day, Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh had announced a reward of Rs 50 lakh for providing information on those involved in the attack.  Talking to reporters, the media adviser to the Punjab Chief Minister assured that the informers’ identity won’t be disclosed.

Yesterday, while condemning the attack, CM Amarinder Singh had suspected Pakistan’s ISI-backed Khalistani or Kashmiri militants’ role in the attack. “The possibility of involvement of ISI-backed Khalistani or Kashmiri terror groups could not be ruled out (in the Amritsar terror attack),” said Amarinder Singh in an official statement.

Three persons were killed and at least twenty two were injured when two motorcycle-borne miscreants hurled a grenade at a religious congregation of over 200 devotees inside a Nirankari Bhawan at Adliwal village near Amritsar’s Rajasansi area Sunday. The Nirankari sect, with headquarters in Delhi, has millions of followers across the country and abroad. In the last few months, Khalistani and Kashmiri activists have been trying to foment trouble in Punjab, which shares a 553-km long barbed wire fenced international border with Pakistan.

Following the attack, former Deputy Chief Minister, Sukhbir Singh Badal attacked Punjab government saying,”Peace and communal harmony in danger in Punjab under Congress rule. First Maqsudan blast, then army chief asserting need for alertness, now an attack in Amritsar. Congress govt should not play with fire and act to ensure Punjab does not slip back into vortex of violence.”

He had also claimed that the state has never experienced such an attack in the last 15 years. “We have been saying and warning the government from last month since the Army Chief came to Punjab,” Badal added.

Union Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal had also lambasted the Punjab CM. She said, ”First bombs and now grenade attack in Amritsar, what next Raja saab? When will you and your ministers stop encouraging elements bent on disturbing hard won peace? Stop playing politics and get down to serious governance. Punjabis don’t want to go back into dark era.”