Khalistan Liberation Army Claims Responsibility for Jalandhar IED Blast, Inflates Casualty Figures

Jalandhar: The Khalistan Liberation Army (KLA) has claimed responsibility for the recent IED explosion outside the Border Security Force (BSF) Punjab Headquarters in Jalandhar.

In a letter issued by the outfit, the KLA stated that the blast was carried out to avenge the death of Ranjit Singh, a militant killed by the Punjab Police during an encounter in Gurdaspur district in February. According to the claim, Ranjit Singh was allegedly involved in the murder of a Punjab Police Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) and a Home Guard jawan in Adhian village, also in Gurdaspur.

However, the KLA's letter contained incorrect information regarding casualties. The group claimed that two BSF constables were killed and three others injured in the explosion. Official sources have confirmed that these casualty figures are factually inaccurate.

Amritsar Blast

Another blast had occurred in Khasa near the cantonment area in Amritsar at around 10:50 pm on Tuesday, prompting a swift response from police and security agencies. No casualties were reported.

Speaking to ANI, SP Aditya S. Warrier said police received information about the suspected blast, and senior officers immediately rushed to the spot along with the army personnel stationed in the cantonment area.

The Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS) was called to conduct a thorough inspection. The Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) team collected samples and evidence from the site. The collected material has been sent for analysis to determine the nature and cause of the incident.

Amritsar SP Aditya Warrior told ANI, “At around 10.50 pm, the police received a complaint about a sound of a blast near Khassa cantonment... The police team reached the spot along with the senior officials of the army residing in the cantonment. The BDS team was also called, which conducted a check there. The FSL team gathered the evidence, and it has been sent for sampling and testing. We are checking how many blasts have occurred and how.”

BJP, Akali Dal Blame AAP

BJP Punjab National Spokesperson Jaiveer Shergill has blamed the AAP government for the incidents.

In a post on X, Shergill said, "2 blasts within a span of 6 hours in Punjab (Jalandhar & Amritsar). While Punjab burns with rising security concerns, AAP Govt remains busy in political theatrics & publicity stunts! AAP’s incompetence, incapability & immaturity is pushing Punjab towards a dark era ! Worrying!"

Sukhbir Singh Badal, President, Shiromani Akali Dal, slammed the Punjab government for the blasts.

In a post on X, Badal said, "Three blasts in 10 days, two in a single day — May 5: Jalandhar outside BSF headquarters & Sri Amritsar Sahib Army area, April 27: Rajpura rail track. Continued intelligence failures and collapse of law & order are a matter of grave concern. Chief Minister @BhagwantMann, who is also the state Home Minister, is busy in mimicry & cheap politics. He has forfeited the right to remain in office. Punjab earned peace after decades of struggle. Over two dozen blasts under this @AamAadmiParty regime are pushing the State back into dark days. May Waheguru Ji bless Punjab and Punjabis."

Amritsar police restricted public movement in certain areas to investigate the nature of a sudden blast reported in Khasa near the cantonment area in Amritsar on Tuesday. Assistant Sub-Inspector Karam Singh informed that the roads are currently closed for surveillance.