Nine Injured in 2 Blasts at Jammu's Narwal as Security Concerns Heighten

Srinagar: At least nine persons were injured after two blasts rocked the Narwal area of Jammu on Saturday following which the authorities launched an investigation into the incident.

The injured, according to officials, are being treated at Government Medical College and Hospital in Jammu. Their condition is said to be “stable”.

The two blasts occurred within two minutes in the morning at two spots near Transport Nagar separated by a distance of mere 50 meters, a senior police official told reporters.

In a statement issued after the incident, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said he strongly condemned the blasts. Senior police officials briefed him about the incidents and the subsequent investigation launched in its aftermath. The official spokesperson said that urgent steps would be taken to identify the perpetrators.

“Such dastardly acts highlight the desperation and cowardice of those responsible. Take immediate and firm action. No efforts should be spared to bring the perpetrators to justice,” the Lt Governor told the security officials.

The Lt Governor also offered “heartfelt sympathies” to those injured and announced a relief of Rs 50,000 to those injured in the incident. “The Lt Governor said that the administration would ensure the best possible treatment and extend every help required by the families,” the statement read.

The blasts were reported a day after national Congress leader Rahul Gandhi began his Bharat Jodo Yatra in the region and is expected to continue throughout the next week. The authorities in Jammu and Kashmir, however, have said they have made ample security arrangements for the smooth conduct of the march.

The Yatra was on a one-day halt on Saturday and is expected to resume tomorrow from Hiranagar morh in Kathua and will reach towards Chak Nanak area in Samba district.

Apni Party President Syed Altaf Bukhari whilst condemning the twin blasts in a statement said that it is an attempt to “disrupt peace”
and spread fear among the people who live in communal harmony with each other.

“It appears that the blasts were triggered to spread tension after Rajouri targeted killings. The incident has worried the peace-loving people in Jammu and Kashmir,” he was quoted as saying.

Tensions have heightened in the Jammu region in the wake of the recent uptick in violence. Earlier on January 1 and 2, at least seven persons were killed including minors and dozen others were injured in a brazen attack in Jammu’s Rajouri district triggering serious security concerns.

The fresh incident comes in the midst of increased security vigil ahead of Republic Day on January 26.