Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 7: Various political and social organizations, besides former ministers, MLAs and MLCs, of the State today condemned the grenade attack at General Bus Stand Jammu that left a teenager dead and 32 others injured.
Senior Congress leader and former Member Parliament Dr Karan Singh has expressed shock over the blast at Jammu Bus Stand. “I express my sympathy to all those injured in the blast and pray for their early recovery,” he said and stressed on maintaining communal harmony at all costs. The MP said that the administration should make every effort to identify the miscreants who committed this heinous crime and bring them to book.
Former Union Minister and senior Congress leader Saif-ud-Din Soz, while condemning the attack, said it seems that some individual or organization wants to disturb peace in Jammu. He expressed sympathies with the kith and kin of the boy killed in the attack and prayed for speedy recovery of those injured in the blast. Soz also complimented the State police for nabbing the culprit in a short span of time.
President JKPCC GA Mir has strongly condemned the blast and expressed concern over incident. He said that this kind of incident in the heart of city is a matter of great concern when the security agencies are on high alert. Mir said that this blast raises question mark over the alertness of security apparatus and indicates that the anti-national elements have shown their strength to strike in the busiest area which is highly guarded. He said that the lapses should be looked into and it shows the total failure of Centre and State Government to deal with such situation, as it is 3rd blast in bus stand area in recent past. He expressed sympathies with injured and prayed for their early recovery.
Several other senior congress leaders also condemned the blast. They include Tara Chand, Madan Lal Sharma, Mohd Sharief Niaz, Mula Ram, Raman Bhalla, RS Chib, GM Saroori, Ravinder Sharma, Indu Pawar, Manmohan Singh, Balwan Singh, Vikramaditya Singh, Vikram Malhotra, Hari Singh Chib, Pranav Shagotra, Shiv Kumar Sharma (INTUC), Pawan Raina, Uday Bhanu Chib (PYC), Raqeeq Khan (NSUI) and Rajesh Sadotra (Seva Dal).
Condemning the grenade attack at Jammu Bus Stand, Provincial president of National Conference, Devender Singh Rana prayed for early recovery of the injured in the grenade attack. He said such cowardice acts were a challenge to civilized society, which are needed to be fought unitedly.
Rana, along with former Minister Surjeet Singh Slathia, State secretary, Rattan Lal Gupta, former MLC, Trilochan Singh Wazir and Provincial secretary, Pradeep Bali visited the Bus Stand and interacted with the people. They expressed solidarity with the injured and their families.
Ajay Sadhotra, former Minister and Senior National Conference leader has strongly condemned the grenade attack at Jammu Bus stand. He visited GMC Jammu and inquired about the condition of injured and their welfare. Sadhotra asked the Government to give severest possible punishment to the doers of this unfortunate incident. He has demanded strict vigil by the Government so that such incidents do not re-occur. He also demanded adequate ex-gratia relief to the killed and free medical care to the injured.
“This is an utter cowardice act and we condemn this out rightly with a pledge to wipe-out terrorists and their supporters from our land,” said Ravinder Raina, State president of Bharatiya Janata Party, while party State general secretary (org) Ashok Kaul and all other senior party leaders also condemned the blast.
“We express our sympathies with the blast victims and assure them that BJP stands along with them in the hour of distress. Pakistan and its sponsored terrorists have tried to vitiate the atmosphere of Jammu, and this is not acceptable to us. All those responsible for the act will be hunted down by our forces,” Raina added.
In a joint statement issued here on grenade attack, PDP leaders said that the incident has reflected the ruthless face of terrorism and how innocent citizens are being targeted by the nefarious miscreants and ruthless savages without any fault. The party leaders also pitched for the stern action against those involved in such cowardly act, asking the State dispensation to ensure protection of civilian population isn’t compromised at any level. The PDP leaders also prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured in the attack.
The statement was jointly issued by party leaders TS Bajwa, Ved Mahajan, Daman Bhasin, Fallail Singh, Tasaduq Hussain, R K Bali, Satpal Singh Charak, Ramesh Koul, Surjeet Kour, Sukhwinder Singh, Varinder Singh Sonu and others.
Strongly condemning grenade attack at Jammu bus stand, senior PDP and Member of the Legislative Council (MLC) Surinder Choudhary cautioned the people against nefarious designs of forces which are hell bent to disrupt peace in the peaceful Jammu region. He said that today’s incident at Bus Stand was handiwork of the forces inimical to peace. Choudhary, along with other leaders of PDP, visited Government Medical Hospital (GMC) and inquired about conditions of the injured. “Repeated grenade attacks in Bus stand raised question mark on security scenario in Jammu region”, he said and prayed for the speedy recovery of injured persons.
Prof Bhim Singh, chief patron of National Panthers Party (NPP) accompanied by other senior party leaders visited Jammu hospitals to inquire about the wounded persons who were smashed bomb blasts this morning at Bus Stand, Jammu. He urged the Governor Satya Pal Malik to convene an urgent meeting of the representatives of all recognized political parties operating in J&K without delay. The NP leader also demanded an urgent inquiry into the bomb blast in the broad day light at Jammu Bus Stand. Prof Bhim Singh was accompanied by Anita Thakur (general secretary), Shanker Singh Chib (State secretary), Farooq Ahmed Dar (provincial president-Kashmir) and others.
Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Conference chairman Sajad Gani Lone, while condemning the attack, said, “It is a senseless and condemnable act of violence. I am deeply pained to hear about the loss of a young boy from Uttarakhand and injury to many others. My heart goes out to the bereaved family and prays for speedy recovery of the injured.”
BJP Mahila Morcha National vice-president Rashim Dhar Sood who is in Jammu on her official visit for two days, visited GMC Jammu with Mahila Morcha State president, Rajni Sethi, BJP State spokesperson and former MoS Priya Sethi and State office bearers team to enquire about the health of people who were injured in the blast today at Bus Stand, Jammu. Rashim Sood strongly condemned the grenade attack and said that her prayers are with victims and their families. She talked to the doctors present on the spot and asked them to provide better health facilities to the injured.
Bharatiya Janata Party State vice president, Rajeev Charak strongly condemned the grenade blast. “It is a senseless and condemnable act of violence. I am deeply pained to hear about the loss of a 17 young boy and injury to 29 others. My heart goes out to the bereaved family and prays for speedy recovery of the injured”, he added.
BJP leader Raman Suri, while condemning the grenade attack, said this is a cowardice act of those who were hell bent upon disturbing the peace in Jammu. He urged the State administration to help victims recover and provide all types of assistance to the family of the deceased.
While condemning the grenade attack at Jammu Bus Stand, Shiv Sena Bala Sahib Thackeray, J&K unit said that there is dire need to give befitting reply to Pakistan which is sponsoring terrorism in the J&K. “After taking credit of the air strike conducted by the Indian Air Force, BJP is maintaining silence instead of intensifying more such strike against the Pakistan,” said Manish Sahni, general secretary, Shiv Sena. He said that today’s grenade blast proved that the BJP Government has been failed to teach a lesson to the separatists who are openly promoting and sponsoring anti-national activities in the country. He appealed the Modi Government to keep politics aside and give befitting reply to Pakistan.
Condemning the attack, National Democratic Party Indian (NDPI) State president, Rajesh Gupta said such incidents are not tolerable at any cost. Rajesh Gupta urged the Governor that the antinational elements should be dealt with iron hands and brought to book at the earliest. He also appealed the CEC of India Sunil Arora to defer the Loksabha and Assembly elections because the time is not conducive to hold the elections in Jammu and Kashmir. He also urged the administration to take stern action against such antinational elements.
District Congress Committee Jammu Rural also strongly condemned the grenade attack. In a statement issued today, Hari Singh Chib, president DCC Jammu Rural said that the incident has reflected the ruthless face of terrorism and how innocent citizens are being targeted by the nefarious miscreants and ruthless savages without any fault. He demanded stern action against those involved in such cowardly act, asking the State administration to ensure protection of civilian population isn’t compromised at any level.
Sudarshan Choudhary, Secretary Border, Dogra Swamiman Sangathan also condemned the grenade attack. He said this could be the handiwork of anti national elements who are aiming at disturbing the peace and tranquility of Jammuites. He mentioned that such elements failed in their mission to strike a wedge between two communities post-Pulwama and are trying again. He warned such elements saying Jammuites will never tolerate such acts. He compliment the State police for its very quick action in nabbing the suspect from Nagrota area and expressed his full confidence in unearthing compete plan.
Rishi Kaul Kilam, National Executive Council Member, NSC student wing of NCP while condemning the grenade attack at Bus Stand Jammu termed it as most unfortunate and a mere frustration of those who want to break and spoil the communal harmony and brotherhood of the people of Jammu province. He Rishi visited the victims in GMC hospital and enquired about their welfare. He showed solidarity and sympathy with the injured people.
NC Minority Cell president, MK Yogi has also strongly condemned the attack. He termed it an attempt to disturb peace in Jammu.
The J&K High Court Bar Association, Jammu, in a meeting held today in the High Court Complex, Jammu, under the presidentship of BS Slathia (Senior Advocate), president of the Association, unanimously resolved to strongly condemn the grenade attack at Bus Stand. Slathia and impressed upon the need of strengthening security set-up in the entire Jammu and to identify and bring to book the sleeper cells active in and around Jammu. He further urged for immediate arrest of those who are responsible for the attack.
Slathia also expressed his deep condolences to the bereaved families whose kith and kin have been killed and injured in the attack. He urged upon the Governor SP Malik as also the Centre Government to initiate appropriate measures for taking stern action against such inhuman acts by the anti-national forces in order to prevent any such like incidents in future.
Muslim Development Forum (MDF) strongly condemned the blast that took place in the General Bus Stand Jammu this morning. The MDF urged the Government to take strong action against the culprits so that people cannot get away after committing such dastardly and inhuman acts. The MDF also urged the Government to take stronger measures and ensure that the peace and tranquility is maintained at such times when the elections are around the corner. He also appealed the general public to maintain harmony and peace and defeat the designs of miscreants.
In a meeting held in its office, the Jammu Province People’s Forum (JPPF) strongly condemned the grenade attack at Bus Stand Jammu. Paviter Singh said the militants are hell bent upon to destabilize Jammu but their nefarious design will never succeed. JPPF warned Pakistan to desist from terrorist activities otherwise Indian forces will crush them. MS Katoch, Inderjit Khajuria, M L Sharma, Avinash Bhatia, Resham Singh, Balwan Singh, Madan Sharma, Prof O P Sharma, Pawan Sharma, PRS Slathia, Surinder Veer, Ajay Singh, Sunita Sharma and Kamala Sharma were present in the meeting.
Team Jammu strongly condemned the attack. Volunteers of Team Jammu led by its chairman, Zorawar Singh Jamwal visited Bus Stand as well as Government Medical College and Hospital (GMC&H), Jammu and met the injured persons to know their well being. “Such ‘cowardice’ acts by Pakistani agencies and their stooges hiding here in Jammu and Kashmir would not lower the resolve to fight terrorism. This is another example of how Pakistan’s intelligence services continue to sponsor terrorism here J&K,” said Zorawar Singh Jamwal while interacting with injured persons.
“Today grenade attack at Jammu Bus Stand is yet another attempt by anti-national forces and Pak proxies in Jammu to terrorize people and create a communal flare up to vitiate normal life,” stated Col J P Singh (retd), Chairman DSS ESM Cell. Expressing deep condolences with the bereaved families, he wishes speedy recovery to those who are wounded and undergoing treatment. K P Singh, the founder of ‘Tanda Tiger Force’ and Chairman DSS Kissan Cell while condemning grenade attack at Jammu bus stand, cautions police and intelligence agencies to be alert as possibilities of more such attacks to create communal tensions in the town can’t be ruled out.
Narayan Singh, president, Shri Amar Kshatriya (Rajput) Sabha J&K, while condemning the grenade attack by anti social elements at Jammu Bus Stand, appealed the State Government to take stringent action against these elements so that they do not dare to recur such incidence in future.
Condemning the attack in its meeting held under the chairmanship of KK Khosa (president), Kashmiri Pandit Sabha expressed deep sympathy to those who were affected by the grenade blast. The members expressed deep concern over the deteriorating environment of Jammu especially in the aftermath of the unfortunate Pulwama bomb blast in which 40 CRPF Jawans were martyred. The Sabha appealed the administration to take adequate measures to prevent such episodes in future.
“Such inhuman, cruel and cowardly acts by enemy of peace would not be allowed to succeed and the people of Jammu will certainly give befitting reply to these people and their well-wisher who are promoting their nefarious design to divide the people of Jammu on communal lines,” said Shah Mohd Chowdhary, Advocate and convener of Jammu Civil Society for Peace and Brotherhood while condemning the grenade attack. Chowdhary urged the district administration to provide specialized treatment free of cost to the victims and pay excreta to kith and kin of the dead and financial help to those who were seriously injured in the blast.
All J&K Youth Federation (AJKYF) bemoan over the grenade attack by suspected terrorists at the crowded general bus stand in the heart of the city today. Spokesperson, AJKYF, Nakul Sharma expressed serious concern over the attack. Sharma urged upon the Governor to review the safety measures of the public areas of Jammu, especially General Bus Stand and Railway Station. He demanded adequate compensation to the loss of life and free medical facilities to the victims.
“Mission….. We Want Peace”, an organization which is working for peace in the State and against all violence has condemned the grenade attack at General Bus Stand Jammu. Expressing sympathy with the injured citizens and praying for their quick recovery, the organization demanded immediate arrest of the anti-national elements responsible for such acts.
The grenade attack was also condemned by Dr Shazad Malik, an educationist hailing from border district Poonch. He requested the State administration to provide all possible help to those injured in the grenade attack and also called for more security at such vulnerable places to avoid any such incident in future.
IkkJutt Jammu while condemning the Jammu Bus Stand grenade attack, stressed upon the State administration to increase security in crowded places like Bus Stand, Railway Station and main Bazaars. Chairman, IkkJutt Jammu prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured persons.
Arya Pratinidhi Sabah, J&K in its meeting convened today under the presidentship of Arun Choudhary, passed a resolution to condemn the blast. A special prayer was performed for the speedy recovery of all the injured and eternal peace to the departed soul. Rich tributes were paid by Arun Gupta, Arun Arya, Balwan Singh, Rajive Sethi and others.
Jammu West Assembly Movement (JWAM) also strongly condemned the attack. Sunil Dimple, JWAM president also visited GMC Jammu and enquired the condition of those injured in the blast. He demanded adequate compensation for the kith and kin of those killed and injured in the blast.
The attack was also condemned in strong words by Public Opinion Forum chairman, Parveen Sharma.
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