The banned terrorist outfit Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) has claimed responsibility for the grenade attack on the Aliwal Police Station in Batala, Gurdaspur, on December 12, 2024. This marks the fourth grenade attack on police establishments in Punjab within the past three weeks and the third such incident in the Amritsar-Gurdaspur belt, raising alarm about escalating extremist activities in the region.
BKI threatened police that in future they will launch grenade attacks on road side nakas as well.
The attack, which occurred late in the night, involved a grenade hurled at the police station. While no casualties were reported, the explosion caused minor damage to the premises and triggered panic among residents. Police forces quickly secured the area, and investigations are underway, with forensic teams examining the site for evidence.
Babbar Khalsa International, a proscribed group with a history of separatist violence, released a statement taking responsibility for the attack. The group has been implicated in several high-profile incidents aimed at destabilizing Punjab and reviving extremist activities.
In response, Punjab’s Director General of Police (DGP) has convened a high-level meeting to reassess the state’s security framework. Security in border districts has been tightened, and intelligence agencies have been instructed to investigate potential cross-border links to the attacks. Senior officials have hinted at a coordinated strategy to dismantle the network supporting such activities.
The repeated targeting of police establishments has heightened concerns among citizens, with calls for stronger measures to safeguard public institutions and restore confidence in law enforcement. Authorities have urged the public to remain alert and report any suspicious activities, emphasizing their commitment to ensuring peace and stability in the state.