Golden Temple receives second bomb threat; security heightened
AMRITSAR: In less than twenty-four hours, the Golden Temple once again received a threatening message warning of a possible bomb attack. The fresh threat, similar in content to a previous one referencing RDX and a specific time, sparked renewed concern among authorities and devotees alike.
Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) Secretary Partap Singh informed on Tuesday that the internet department of SGPC received the mail on the morning, following which the same was informed to the police. Stating that the content of the fresh threat email is almost the same as the one received on Monday, Partap said, 'People of all religions — Hindus, Christians, Sikhs, and others — come to pay obeisance at the Golden Temple.
A few mischievous elements are uncomfortable with this unity and have once again issued threats not only against the Golden Temple but also against other religious places.'
While condemning the threat and labelling it an attempt to disturb communal harmony, the Secretary, SGPC said that those who make such threats have no religion of their own. Their sole aim is to spread fear among people. But devotees continue to visit Sri Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) in large numbers — listening to kirtan, partaking in langar, and reciting the name of the Guru with devotion, he added.
Police Commissioner Gurpreet Singh Bhullar said that the investigation is progressing rapidly and a breakthrough is expected soon. "We are close to solving the case," he said.
Sources close to the investigation informed that both the central and state agencies are working in coordination and are analysing digital footprints and email trails to trace the origin of the threat. The language and content of the latest threat closely mirror the previous one, leading investigators to believe that the same person or group may be responsible, added the sources.
Meanwhile, security around the Golden Temple and other key religious sites in the region has been stepped up following the threats. Police and intelligence agencies are reportedly on high alert.
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