Statewide security alert after threat emails to major temples in Punjab

The Punjab Police have been put on high alert after five prominent temples, including the iconic Durgiana Temple in Amritsar, received bomb threat emails days before the 42nd anniversary of Operation Bluestar.Besides Durgiana Temple, bomb threats were also received for Mukteshwar Dham Temple (Pathankot), Devi Talab Mandir (Jalandhar), Maisar Khana Temple (Bathinda) and Mata Kali Temple (Patiala). The threats have put the Punjab Police and intelligence agencies on maximum alert amid heightened security arrangements already in place for the sensitive anniversary period.Confirming the development, Amritsar Police Commissioner Gurpreet Singh Bhullar said while the threats appeared similar to the series of hoax emails sent earlier to educational institutions, the Punjab Civil Secretariat, the Punjab and Haryana High Court and other key establishments, the authorities are treating the matter with utmost seriousness.“Security agencies are not taking any chances. Comprehensive security arrangements have been put in place and all threat inputs are being thoroughly investigated,” Bhullar said.The bomb threats come at a time when Punjab has already been placed under a robust security grid ahead of June 6. Eleven companies of the Central Armed Police Forces, including personnel from the Border Security Force (BSF), Rapid Action Force (RAF) and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), have been deployed across the region.Earlier, Punjab Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav and Special DGP (Law and Order) PK Sinha conducted review meetings for security arrangements in the border belt, particularly in Amritsar and adjoining districts.Sinha emphasised that security agencies should remain vigilant against attempts by anti-national elements and hostile forces across the International Border to disrupt peace in Punjab. “We are fully aware of the designs of hostile neighbours and anti-national elements trying to create unrest in the border state, especially on this occasion. All necessary preventive and security measures have been implemented to ensure peaceful observance of the anniversary and maintaining public safety,” he had stated.Security has been intensified around religious places, transportation hubs and other sensitive installations across the state, with the police maintaining round-the-clock surveillance and checking operations.

Statewide security alert after threat emails to major temples in Punjab

PK Jaiswar

Tribune News Service

Statewide security alert after threat emails to major temples in Punjab

PK Jaiswar

Tribune News Service

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