Punjab Rocked by Temple Grenade Attack: Who is Behind the Latest Incident?
- Bangladesh Pakistan South Asia
Shreya Naskar- 0
- 5 minutes read
In a shocking development, a grenade attack targeted Thakurdwara Temple in Amritsar’s Khandwala area on the intervening night of March 15, 2025. While no casualties were reported, the attack has sent shockwaves across Punjab. The Indian intelligence community has strongly suspected the involvement of Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) in orchestrating the attack. The targeting of a religious site is seen as a potential attempt to stoke communal tensions in the state. Over the past four months, Punjab has witnessed at least a dozen grenade attacks, primarily targeting police posts and security installations. However, this incident marks the first direct attack on a temple, signifying a shift in the strategy of those behind the attacks. The Punjab Police and intelligence agencies are investigating the role of ISI-backed elements in the attack, which bears resemblance to previous cross-border terror plots. According to Punjab Police, the attack took place at approximately 12:35 am on March 15. CCTV footage showed two men arriving on a motorcycle outside the temple and throwing a suspicious object, later confirmed to be a grenade. The explosion damaged the temple walls and shattered windows, but fortunately, no one was injured. The temple priest, who was sleeping inside, escaped unhurt and immediately informed the police. A preliminary investigation found that the attackers had initially struggled to remove the grenade pin before successfully hurling it at the temple. The assailants also carried a flag and lingered outside the temple before executing the attack. The Punjab Police and forensic teams swiftly arrived at the scene to collect evidence and examine the explosive device.
Senior Punjab Police officials have strongly indicated that Pakistan’s ISI could be behind the attack. Amritsar Police Commissioner Gurpreet Singh Bhullar stated that “Pakistan’s ISI lures our youth into creating disturbances in Punjab.” He emphasized that intelligence agencies were monitoring such activities and would soon identify and apprehend the perpetrators.The attack on the temple follows a disturbing pattern of grenade explosions in Punjab:
- December 12, 2024: A grenade was thrown at Ghania Ke Bangar police station in Batala.
- December 20, 2024: An attack targeted the Wadala Bangar police post in Gurdaspur.
- January 2025: Several attacks occurred, including ones at the Gumtala police post in Amritsar, a liquor trader’s residence in Jaintipur, and a Congress leader’s house in Batala.
These incidents have been linked to organized crime, terrorist networks, and cross-border elements. The shift in strategy towards targeting religious institutions instead of law enforcement signals a dangerous escalation, potentially aimed at inciting communal violence in the region.
The Punjab government and political parties strongly condemned the attack. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann reassured the public, stating that law and order in the state remained under control despite repeated attempts to destabilize it. “There are always attempts to disturb peace in Punjab. Drugs, gangsters, and extortion are part of it, but the law and order situation is intact,” he said. The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) termed the attack a “serious and sensitive incident” and demanded a high-level judicial inquiry. The party highlighted the pattern of explosions and criticized the government for failing to prevent them.
Meanwhile, intelligence agencies are closely analyzing the attack and cross-referencing it with previous ISI-backed plots, including:
- Amarnath Yatra Threats (July 2024): Reports suggested that ISI collaborated with Khalistani terror groups to disrupt the annual Amarnath Yatra pilgrimage.
- Ayodhya Temple Attack Foiled (March 2025): Gujarat’s Anti-Terrorism Squad arrested a 19-year-old suspect allegedly preparing to attack the Ram temple under ISI guidance.
- Pager Bomb Plot (December 2024): Intelligence revealed ISI’s plans for a Mossad-style pager bomb attack in India, prompting heightened security ahead of the 2025 Kumbh Mela.
The grenade attack at Thakurdwara Temple in Amritsar highlights the persistent threats Punjab faces from cross-border terror elements. The suspected involvement of Pakistan’s ISI indicates an attempt to incite communal violence and destabilize the region. With law enforcement agencies working diligently to trace the attackers, the incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing security challenges India faces.
Moving forward, intelligence and security forces must remain vigilant to prevent further such attacks. Enhanced border security, stricter monitoring of extremist activities, and community awareness campaigns will be crucial in countering the influence of external forces attempting to disrupt peace in Punjab. The swift response by Punjab Police and intelligence agencies signals India’s resolve to neutralize such threats and uphold security in the region.
