National News: A wave of concern has swept through the city after Sri Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) — the holiest shrine of the Sikh faith — received a bomb threat via email on Monday. The message mentioned RDX explosives and issued a chilling warning, along with a suggested timeframe for a possible attack. In response, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) deployed its task force within the Golden Temple complex, while the Punjab Police reinforced security measures in the surrounding areas.

Urges Vigilance

Kulwant Singh Mann, a senior SGPC member, confirmed that the email reached the committee on Monday. “The message claimed that the Golden Temple would be targeted using RDX. It also urged alertness, seemingly aimed at instilling fear among the public,” Mann said.

He further added that the SGPC task force has been directed to scrutinize all suspicious individuals entering the premises. Meanwhile, a formal complaint has been filed with the Police Commissioner and E-Division police station. Investigative agencies are now working to trace the origin and sender of the email.

Past Allegations Against Pakistan Resurface

This threat has reignited memories of a prior incident. In May 2025, the Indian Army had alleged that Pakistan fired a missile aimed at the Golden Temple, which was intercepted and destroyed mid-air by the Indian Air Force. The military labeled it an attempt to disrupt India’s religious harmony.

Pakistan, however, had categorically denied the allegations, claiming no such action had been taken. Still, the episode sparked intense debate and concern across the nation.

Heritage Street Blasts in 2023: A Troubling Precedent

The Golden Temple has remained a high-security zone since three low-intensity blasts rocked Heritage Street in 2023 — a location situated just meters from the shrine:

• May 6, 2023 (11:15 PM): A small IED explosion shattered windows but caused no injuries.
• May 8, 2023 (6:30 AM): Another blast injured one person and damaged nearby shops.
• May 10, 2023 (12:15 AM): A third minor explosion occurred, and a suspicious bag was found at the scene. The bomb squad was immediately called in, and the area secured. These incidents had already raised red flags regarding the security of the Golden Temple and its surrounding zones.

City on High Alert, Probe Underway

Following Monday’s threat, Amritsar is under heightened alert, with security agencies maintaining round-the-clock surveillance. SGPC personnel, local police, intelligence units, and bomb disposal teams are working in coordination to prevent any untoward incidents. The Punjab Police has taken the matter seriously and is pursuing a full-scale investigation to identify the source of the threat and eliminate any potential danger to the sacred site and its visitors.