Two separate blasts in Jammu’s Narwal that occurred within a span of twenty minutes injured nine civilians on Saturday. The blasts took place amid tight security arrangements in the wake of the upcoming Republic Day. Further, it also posed a security challenge ahead of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Yatra rally in Jammu on January 23. It is reported that 23 heads of national political parties are likely to join the Congress leader for a national flag hoisting ceremony in Srinagar on January 29 and 30.
It was only earlier this month that militants had killed seven civilians in Jammu’s Rajouri province.
Mukesh Singh, Additional Director General of Police, informed the first explosion took place at around 11 a.m. in Narwal’s Transport Yard area. The place was vacated immediately and as the evacuation process was underway, another explosion took place just 50 metres away. He informed that all the injured were stable.
At the time of going to print, the police could not divulge details about the nature of the blasts. Officials informed that a forensic team had lifted traces of explosives from the spot to determine if it was an improvised explosive device (IED) with a timer or a sticky bomb.
“Such dastardly acts highlight the desperation and cowardice of those responsible. No efforts should be spared to bring the perpetrators to justice,” said J&K’s Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha. He called for “urgent steps to identify and take actions against those responsible”.
The Lieutenant Governor has also announced a relief of ₹50,000 for the injured.
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Published - January 22, 2023 06:14 pm IST
