Chandigarh, November 18: In an astonishing claim, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader HS Phoolka on Sunday said Indian Army Chief General Bipin Rawat may have orchestrated the grenade attack on a religious congregation in Punjab’ Amritsar that claimed three lives. HS Phoolka said the blast in Amritsar may have been planned to justify Bipin Rawat’s recent statement on revival of militancy in the state. Amritsar Grenade Attack Appears to be 'Terrorist Act', Say Punjab Police; Two Suspects Arrested.

“Army Chief came and made a statement. To prove his statement, he could have orchestrated the attack. This matter should be looked into. Did govt do it (attack)? Did the earlier govt do it now? It is wrong to repeatedly say that Punjab's atmosphere is not good. We must get to the root of it,” Phoolka was quoted as saying by Republic. Amritsar Blast: Sukhbir Badal Hits Out at State Government; Says, 'Peace And Harmony in Danger in Punjab Under Congress Rule'.

Earlier this month, General Rawat said that attempts were being made through “external linkages” to “revive insurgency” in Punjab.

“Punjab has been peaceful but because of these external linkages, attempts again are being made to revive insurgency in the state,” the Army Chief said. He added if early action is not taken, it will be too late.

Three people were killed and 15 others left wounded after two motorcycle-borne masked youths threw a grenade at a religious congregation at the Nirankari Satsang Bhawan of the Nirankari sect in Adliwala village. The Punjab police said it was treating the incident as an act of terror. Two suspects were also arrested in connection with the blast.

Following the incident, Punjab Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh each to the kin of deceased. He also directed the civic hospital to provide free treatment to those injured in the attack. He later chaired a high-level meeting to review the law and order situation in the state. Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh also spoke to Amarinder Singh, assuring "strong action" against those responsible for the grenade attack.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 18, 2018 09:53 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).