Punjab Blast Shakes Maur Mandi: Railway Staffer Injured, Khalistan Group Claims Responsibility

The quiet predawn hours near Maur Mandi railway station in Bathinda, Punjab, were abruptly shattered recently by a powerful explosion. This wasn't just any bang; it was a blast that injured a railway trackman and immediately cast a shadow of concern over the region, especially as a pro-Khalistan group quickly stepped forward to claim responsibility. It's a situation that truly underscores the complex security challenges faced by Punjab.

The incident itself unfolded around 1:30 AM, catching many off guard. A 30-foot stretch of railway track near Maur Mandi became the epicenter of the blast, leaving a dedicated railway employee named Soman with injuries to his leg. Imagine, going about your routine, ensuring the safety of the tracks, only for such an unexpected and violent event to occur. Thankfully, his injuries weren't life-threatening, but the psychological impact, and the physical scar, are undeniable.

Adding a truly unsettling dimension to the whole affair, the banned pro-Khalistan organization, Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), wasted no time in taking credit for the explosion. Their chief, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, issued a video statement that was nothing short of chilling. He openly claimed the blast was a direct message to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and his Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, warning them against what he termed "fake encounters."

But Pannun's threats didn't stop there. He went on to declare that SFJ would blow up railway tracks across the state, specifically mentioning those from Delhi to Amritsar and Ferozepur. His stated goal? To halt the movement of what he called "trainloads of Indian Army personnel." It's a brazen declaration, designed no doubt to instill fear and assert their presence, and it certainly highlights the volatile undercurrents at play in the region.

Initially, there was some speculation, as often happens in such situations, that it might have been a firecracker, perhaps a misguided prank. However, as the Government Railway Police (GRP) delved deeper, finding conclusive evidence of explosives, the true gravity of the situation became starkly clear. An FIR was promptly registered under various sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Explosive Substances Act, signaling the seriousness with which authorities are treating this incident.

This isn't an isolated incident, either. It’s worth remembering a similar blast that rocked Bathinda in December 2021. And one can't help but recall the security breach during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit in January 2022, when his convoy was stranded on a flyover, again in Punjab. The SFJ has a documented history of making provocative statements and threats, often coinciding with significant political events or anniversaries. These threads, when woven together, paint a picture of ongoing efforts to destabilize the region.

As investigations continue, the focus remains firmly on ensuring public safety and bringing those responsible to justice. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the persistent threats lurking beneath the surface and the constant vigilance required from security forces to maintain peace and order in a state grappling with historical complexities and renewed extremist rhetoric.