India, Jan. 28 -- Panic gripped Chandigarh on Wednesday morning as 26 schools received bomb threats via email, just two days after Republic Day, prompting the mass evacuation of students and a city-wide security sweep.

Chandigarh Police and bomb disposal squads were rushed to various campuses after the threatening communications, reportedly sent around 8am, were flagged by school administrations.

According to UT education department officials, the threat hit 26 schools, including at least 10 government schools and five prominent private institutions, till 12 noon.

While the specific wording of the emails varied, several school heads confirmed the senders claimed to be "Khalistani terrorists". High-profile institutions targeted include ...