There seem to be as many theories as agencies involved in investigating the cinema theatre blast that took place in Ludhiana on Sunday night. Some suspect that Punjab's militants, active during the 80s and 90s could be back to haunt the state.

Punjab Police and Forensic experts are trying to dig out more clues, while international agencies are working on different theories. One of theories is that it could be a handiwork of two different organizations, perhaps two different modules working in different states and pooling resources.

And this is where the many theories germinate.

The central agencies, while not eliminating any suspects are examining the role of Jehadi groups. As per them Masood Azahar released after the IC-814 hijack had stayed in Ludhiana.

Another assumption is that it could be Khalistani groups, angry at the death sentence given to the Babbar khalsa international chief, Jagtar Singh Hawara for assassinating a chief minister. On the other hand, the state police believe it could be a joint venture between the Khalistani and Jehadi terrorists.

(Christian Medical College Hospital Helpline - 0161-5026999 and 0161-2229011 up to 21.)

As investigators try to figure out the attack, statements from the top are fueling the confusion on the ground.

On being asked if this tantamounted to a revival of militancy in Punjab, the Chief Minister of the state appeared to be in denial mode.

"Absolutely not. There is no revival. There is no support for militancy in Punjab and there cannot be a revival," said Parkash Singh Badal, CM, Punjab.

But the state forensic experts have drawn parallels with attacks during the years of the Punjab militancy.

"The Bomb is very similar to what is used 12 years ago," said L S Rana, Deputy Director, Forensic Science Lab.

Caught on the wrong foot and under pressure because of terror strikes across the country in quick succession, the centre was quick to blame the state for shoddy local intelligence.

"There is lack on part of the state intelligence at the level of the district and village. We have told states several times over to improve the state intelligence apparatus," said Sriparkash Jasiwal, MOS, Home.

Two strikes in three days. Whichever organization is responsible and whatever be the motive, one thing is clear, terrorist can strike at will where they want. On the other hand the centre and the state seem to be pointing fingers at each other.

Ludhiana blast leads The bomber left the hall minutes before the explosion. RDX was used as a core explosive. Bomb intended to explode after interval for maximum casualities. An abandoned laptop recovered on the outskirts of Ludhiana. Officials: No similarity with Hyderabad and Ajmer blasts. Military intelligence and Ludhiana police have recovered an abandoned laptop hidden under a culvert on the outskits of Ludhiana.