‘What happened is being investigated’
Suhail Bhat
SRINAGAR, Nov 18: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today said the Government “owes citizens clear answers” over how a massive explosion occurred inside Nowgam Police Station, stressing that the ongoing inquiry must establish how such a large quantity of explosives was brought in, stored, and handled within the premises.
Omar made the remarks during a visit to survivors being treated at a private hospital in Srinagar, where he met the injured and later offered condolences to families of those killed. The blast claimed the lives of police personnel, forensic experts, civil administration staff, and civilians, including a tailor. Several people remain in hospital, with four in intensive care.
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“This is a very sad incident in which so many people lost their precious lives, including those who had nothing to do with the Government, the tailor, and many others who are still in hospital,” he said. He added, “What happened and why it happened is being investigated, and I hope people will get answers because this should not have happened.”
The Chief Minister praised the hospital for its rapid response, saying staff rushed ambulances to the site immediately after witnessing the explosion and fire from their window. “I am thankful to Ujala Signis Hospital because they were the first to reach the spot. They did not wait for a call. They saw the explosion and fire from their window and immediately rushed ambulances to evacuate the injured,” he said, adding that several victims remain under treatment, with four in the ICU.
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Omar said compensation has already been released from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund. A separate assessment of structural damage to nearby houses is underway. “Whatever amount is permissible through procedure will be given. Since the blast happened inside the Police Station, I hope the Home Department and LG administration funds are also used so that affected house owners receive compensation,” he said.
He also referred to concerns he raised at the North Zone Chief Ministers’ Conference attended by the Union Home Minister, Governors, LGs, and senior officials. He urged national authorities not to view every resident of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly Kashmiri Muslims, with suspicion. “Those responsible for this incident, and the blast in Delhi, must be punished. But innocent people who have nothing to do with this should not be harassed,” he said.
On calls for a Government job for the family of the deceased tailor, the Chief Minister said the matter would be processed under the existing compensation scheme. “He was innocent. People killed in such incidents are provided jobs. I will ask officers to process the case, and once it reaches us, we will accept it,” he added.
Omar also visited families of those killed in Nowgam Police station blast.
Omar visited the families of Aijaz Afzal Mir at HMT Zainakote, Mohammad Amin Mir at Bemina, Showkat Ahmad Bhat at Qamarwari, Suhail Ahmad Rather at Natipora and Mohd. Shafi Parray at Wanabal.
He expressed his deep sorrow over the irreparable loss and prayed for the departed souls to rest in peace in Heaven. He also prayed for strength and forbearance for the families to bear the loss.
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