Question : Terror Attack in Amritsar

(a) whether a terror attack on a religious gathering in Amritsar, Punjab had taken place recently, if so, the details thereof alongwith the number of people killed and injured in the incident;

(b) the details of the compensation paid to the families of the killed/injured personnel;

(c) whether foreign based terrorists are again trying to revive terrorist activities in Punjab State;

(d) if so, the steps taken by the Government to take action against such elements based in Canada and other countries;

(e) whether the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has conducted any inquiry in the matter and if so, the details thereof; and

(f) the steps taken to check recurrence of such attacks alongwith the measures taken for better co-ordination amongst the security agencies and to strengthen the border security so as to check infiltration of terrorists in the country?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS
(SHRI HANSRAJ GANGARAM AHIR)

(a): A grenade attack at a prayer hall in Adliwal Village, PS Rajasansi, Amritsar took place on 18th November, 2018. 03 persons were killed and 23 persons were injured in this grenade attack.

(b): The Government of Punjab has announced payment of a sum of Rs. 5 lakhs each to the next of kin of the persons who have lost their life and Rs. 50,000/- each to the inured persons in the attack.

(c) & (d): As per available information, the activities of pro-Khalistan individuals and organizations based abroad, which are making efforts to revive terrorism in Punjab and fanning anti-India sentiments, have come to notice. The Government has raised the issue with Canada and other countries during various bilateral meetings.

(e): After the grenade attack incident, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) team visited the place of incident on 18th November, 2018 to assist the State Police in investigation.

(f): In order to avert terror incidents in the country, there exists a close and effective coordination between intelligence and security agencies at the Centre and the State level. The Multi Agency Centre (MAC) has been strengthened and re-organized to enable it to function on 24x7 basis for



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L.S.US.Q.NO.139 FOR 11.12.2018

real time collation and sharing of intelligence with other Intelligence Agencies and State Governments. The border control has also been strengthened through establishment of observation posts, border fencing, flood lighting and deployment of modern /hi-tech equipments. States have also raised special forces to deal with terror incidents. Central Armed Police Forces and National Security Guards have also been stationed at different locations to assist the States in dealing with such incidents.

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