Khalistan Liberation Army claims responsibility for Jalandhar blast; Issues threats after twin explosions in Punjab

A group identifying itself as the Khalistan Liberation Army (KLA) has claimed responsibility for the blast near the Border Security Force (BSF) headquarters in Jalandhar, even as authorities continue to investigate the twin explosions reported in Punjab.

A poster circulating on social media, allegedly linked to the group, claimed that the attack was carried out under “Operation Nawa Savair” and warned of further violence. The message included inflammatory threats, vowing retaliation over the death of a 19-year-old man in a police encounter earlier this year in Gurdaspur.

Officials, however, have not verified the authenticity of the poster or the claims made by the group. Security agencies are treating the matter with caution as investigations continue.

The first incident occurred around 8:15 pm near BSF Chowk in Jalandhar, close to the Punjab Frontier headquarters of the Border Security Force. Eyewitnesses reported a loud sound followed by a fire involving a parked scooter. CCTV visuals showed people running from the scene moments after the incident.

Police identified the scooter owner as a 22-year-old delivery worker, who had reportedly parked the vehicle shortly before it caught fire. Authorities are examining whether the incident was caused by an explosion or a mechanical issue.

Jalandhar Police Commissioner Dhanpreet Kaur said the exact nature of the incident is still being verified and that no conclusions have been drawn yet.

A second blast was reported nearly two hours later near an Army camp in Khasa, Amritsar. The explosion triggered panic among residents, with some claiming the sound was heard over a kilometre away. Security forces immediately sealed off the area and launched search operations.

Bomb disposal squads, forensic teams, and sniffer dogs have been deployed at both locations. Authorities are also investigating whether the two incidents are linked or part of a coordinated attempt to target sensitive security installations.

Punjab Police and central agencies remain on high alert as efforts continue to identify those responsible and prevent further incidents.