Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal has strongly condemned the explosions that rocked Amritsar and Jalandhar on Monday, calling for immediate and decisive action from the state government. In a statement issued from Chandigarh, Badal expressed deep concern over the incidents, which have raised alarm about the deteriorating law and order situation in Punjab.
Condemnation and Call for Investigation
Badal termed the blasts as 'unfortunate and condemnable', urging the Punjab Police to conduct a thorough investigation to bring the culprits to book. He emphasized that such acts are aimed at disturbing the peaceful environment of the state and must be dealt with sternly. The former deputy chief minister also demanded a detailed report from the government on the security lapses that led to these explosions.
Political Reactions
Several other political leaders have also reacted to the blasts. While the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has assured a swift probe, opposition parties have criticized the government for failing to maintain law and order. The Congress party demanded a high-level inquiry, while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) accused the AAP government of negligence.
Meanwhile, security has been tightened in both cities, and police teams are scanning CCTV footage to identify suspects. The explosions, which occurred in crowded areas, have left several injured, though no fatalities have been reported so far. Hospitals have been put on alert to handle any emergency.
Background of the Blasts
The first explosion took place in Amritsar near a busy market, followed by another blast in Jalandhar close to a railway station. The modus operandi suggests the use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Forensic teams have been deployed to collect evidence. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has also been roped in to assist the local police.
Punjab has witnessed a spate of such incidents in recent months, raising concerns about the resurgence of militancy. The state government has assured the public of all necessary steps to ensure their safety. However, the opposition continues to question the effectiveness of the current administration in handling internal security.
