Srinagar: Two days after a massive accidental explosion tore through the Nowgam police station in Srinagar, killing nine people and injuring 32, the Jammu and Kashmir administration has ordered a probe while announcing compensation for the victims’ families.
The blast occurred late Friday (November 14) when officials were handling explosive material seized earlier this week in a “white-collar” interstate terror module case.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, who paid floral tributes to the deceased at the Police Control Room on Saturday, has directed a detailed investigation into the explosion. The tribute ceremony was attended by senior officials, including Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, NIA Director General Sadanand Date, DGP Nalin Prabhat and senior Army and civil officers.
Explosives seized from Faridabad under probe
DGP Nalin Prabhat said the explosive substances had been recovered during raids in Haryana’s Faridabad between November 9 and 10 and transported to Srinagar in air-tight containers in Tata 407 trucks. The cache—around 2,900 kg of IED-making material—was stored in an open area of the Nowgam police station as the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) team carried out sampling over the past two days.
“Due to the unstable nature of the material, the FSL team was handling the sampling with extreme caution. Unfortunately, around 11.20 p.m. last night, an accidental explosion took place,” the DGP said, dismissing as “baseless and mischievous” the claims made on social media regarding the involvement of Pakistan-based outfits, including PAFF.
Home Ministry Joint Secretary Prashant Lokhande also urged the public not to speculate, stating that the exact cause was still being ascertained.
Nine personnel killed, 32 injured
Among the nine dead were three FSL officials, two Revenue Department staffers, including a Naib Tehsildar, two police photographers, a member of the State Investigation Agency, and a tailor. SIA Inspector Israr Ahmad Shah, a 2011-batch officer from Kupwara, was among those killed. He is survived by his wife, two young children and elderly parents.
CM Omar Abdullah announces ex gratia
On Saturday, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah announced an ex gratia of Rs 10 lakh for each of the deceased and Rs 1 lakh for those severely injured, to be provided from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund.
“The government stands firmly with the victims’ families and will provide every possible support,” he said on X, adding that all damaged structures around the police station would also be compensated. He has directed Health Minister Sakina Itoo to ensure the injured receive the “best possible treatment”.
Political reactions
National Conference president Farooq Abdullah demanded a “thorough and independent investigation”, suggesting that errors in initial handling may have contributed to the tragedy.
Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary said the incident reflected the toll that “35 years of Pakistan-sponsored terrorism” had taken on the Union Territory. He urged all political parties to unite against terrorism.
Former Chief Ministers Mehbooba Mufti and Sajad Lone expressed grief, calling the incident a stark reminder of the risks faced by police personnel.
Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Ashok Gehlot termed the blast a “wake-up call” for the Centre to strengthen intelligence systems.
Former Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, reacting to the Nowgam blast coming soon after the Delhi blast, questioned security preparedness and demanded accountability from the Union Home Ministry.
Public, administrative response
Across the UT, political parties and civil groups cancelled celebrations and observed silence for the victims. The PDP’s Bhaderwah unit scrapped its victory event for Budgam bypoll winner Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi, calling celebrations “inappropriate” at a time of mourning.
Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta also conveyed condolences, praying for the swift recovery of the injured.
