Chandigarh (Gurpreet Singh): A serious security alert was triggered in Chandigarh on Thursday after a bomb threat was received for the Punjab Secretariat and Mini Secretariat, prompting immediate evacuations and a large-scale security response. The email, reportedly sent from a Gmail account claiming affiliation with the Khalistan National Army, also contained a direct threat against Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.
As a precaution, both the Punjab and Haryana Secretariat complexes were cleared of all employees and visitors. Administrative operations at the Secretariats have been temporarily suspended, and officials have been advised to stay away until the situation is deemed safe.
Security agencies, including Chandigarh Police, Punjab Police, the Bomb Disposal Squad, CISF personnel, and canine units, have sealed the area and initiated a comprehensive search. Every office, corridor, and parking area is being carefully inspected to ensure no explosives or hazardous materials are present.
This threat comes on the heels of similar warnings issued to schools in Chandigarh earlier in the week. The email also reportedly mentioned a potential threat to Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his forthcoming visit to Punjab, adding urgency to the security response.
Authorities have urged the public not to panic and to cooperate with law enforcement personnel. Central and state-level agencies have been placed on high alert, and security around the Secretariat complexes and surrounding areas has been intensified.
With thousands of employees and daily visitors, the Secretariats are considered high-value targets. Officials stressed that normal activities will resume only after the premises have been thoroughly cleared and investigations conclude. The situation remains under close monitoring, and authorities are treating the threat with maximum caution.
