Punjab faced a tense night on Tuesday as two explosions occurred within hours and about 90 kilometres apart. As a result, security agencies across the state went on high alert and began immediate investigations.
Blast near BSF headquarters in Jalandhar
First, a blast took place outside the Border Security Force (BSF) Punjab Frontier headquarters in Jalandhar, near BSF Chowk. The explosion happened in a two-wheeler parked along the roadside.
Soon after, police cordoned off the area and rushed senior officials to the scene. The impact was strong, as parts of the damaged vehicle were found scattered nearby.
Jalandhar Police Commissioner Dhanpreet Kaur Randhawa said that prima facie there was no sign of foul play. However, a group calling itself the Khalistan Liberation Army (KLA) later claimed responsibility through a social media post. The group said the blast was carried out in revenge for the encounter killing of a key accused in the murder of two security personnel in Gurdaspur’s Dorangla near the Indo-Pak border. Authorities have not verified this claim.
“We have roped in teams of BSF, who are working with our forensic experts to know the exact reason behind the blast. The owner of the two-wheeler is being questioned,” Randhawa said. She also confirmed that a detailed investigation is ongoing.
Second explosion near Amritsar cantonment
Meanwhile, just hours later, another blast-like incident was reported near the Army cantonment in Amritsar along Khasa Road.
Police received information about a loud noise around 11:15 PM. Immediately, teams reached the location and inspected the site. They found that a tin sheet fixed along the boundary wall had been damaged and knocked down.
Initial findings suggest that someone may have thrown an object at the wall, which caused the explosion-like sound. However, officials reported no injuries or major damage.
Soon after, quick response teams, bomb disposal squads, and forensic experts examined the area. Authorities collected samples and sent them for analysis. At the same time, the Army and BSF launched a joint search operation in nearby areas.
To support the probe, police restricted public movement in certain parts of Amritsar on Wednesday. Assistant sub-inspector Karam Singh said, "I got to know that an explosion has taken place here. We'll close the road for surveillance."
Political reactions raise pressure
Following the incidents, political leaders reacted strongly and raised concerns over security.
Punjab Congress President Amarinder Singh Raja Warring questioned the government’s preparedness. He wrote, "Back-to-back blasts have shaken Punjab. Yesterday in Jalandhar, and now near Khasa Camp in Amritsar—this is deeply alarming. Who is trying to destabilise our state? Why has the Punjab Government failed to prevent such incidents? What is the Government of India doing? Repeated lapses point to a serious breakdown of intelligence and security. Punjab's peace cannot be compromised. We demand accountability and immediate action."
Similarly, Amritsar MP Gurjeet Singh Aujla criticised the state government and highlighted the seriousness of the situation. He said, “Sri Amritsar Sahib is not only an important border area but also a major destination for thousands of tourists from India and abroad. An incident of this nature occurring near security agencies in such a sensitive region is a matter of grave concern for the national security system as well. The AAP government has so far failed to ensure the safety of the people of Punjab and has instead pushed the state into an environment of fear and insecurity. This is also negatively impacting the state’s economy, investment, and tourism. I request the Hon’ble Union Home Minister to immediately intervene in this matter and order a high-level and transparent investigation, ensuring that those responsible are given strict punishment as per the law. At the same time, it is extremely necessary to take effective and immediate steps to further strengthen security arrangements in the border state of Punjab.”
In addition, Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikramjit Singh Majithia urged the President of India to intervene.
Investigation continues under tight security
Overall, authorities are actively probing both incidents. They have increased security across sensitive locations, especially near border areas and defence sites. Meanwhile, investigators are examining all possible links between the two blasts as concerns over safety continue to grow.
