Amritsar: At least three people were killed and 20 were left injured in a blast at the Nirankari Bhawan in Amritsar’s Rajasansi village on Sunday.
The blast occurred at a congregation of the Nirankari, a spiritual organisation, said Inspector General (Border) Surinder Pal Singh Parmar.
Reportedly, eyewitnesses said that two men on a motorcycle, with face covered, threw a grenade at the Nirankari Bhawan, where a religious ceremony was on at the time, and fled.
Every Sunday, thousands of devotees gather at the hall for prayers and kirtan. About 500 people were inside the hall when the attack took place.
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Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh condemned the attack.
Strongly condemn the bomb blast at Nirankari Bhawan in Amritsar. Have asked Home Secy and @PunjabPoliceInd DGP, DGP Intelligence and DGP Law & Order to rush to the spot to investigate.
— Capt.Amarinder Singh (@capt_amarinder) November 18, 2018
My heart goes out to victims of the Amritsar bomb blast & their families. My govt will give Rs 5 lakh to kin of each of the dead and free treatement to injured. Have asked district administration to extend all help.
— Capt.Amarinder Singh (@capt_amarinder) November 18, 2018
I appeal to the people of Punjab to maintain peace in wake of Amritsar bomb blast. I urge them not to panic and to remain calm. We will not let the forces of terror destroy our hard earned peace.
— Capt.Amarinder Singh (@capt_amarinder) November 18, 2018
“My condolences are with the families of those who lost their lives in this incident. It is an attempt to disturb peace in Punjab. All the security agencies are on high alert and coordinating with each other to maintain peace,” Sunil Jakhar, Punjab Congress chief, said.