9 killed in explosion at Naugam police station…but was it just an accident? Why is Farooq Abdullah warning that something like ‘Operation Sindoor’ might happen again? Is there a big security secret hidden behind this blast, which has not been revealed yet?
New Delhi. The sudden massive explosion at Naugam Police Station in Srinagar shook the entire Jammu and Kashmir. 9 people died and 32 people were injured in this accident. The blast occurred while the police were conducting forensic examination of the recovered explosives. After the accident, former Chief Minister and National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah expressed concern and said that in view of this incident, no strict action like ‘Operation Sindoor’ should be taken again. He clearly said, “Even before Operation Sindoor, nothing came out, there was only loss.” This statement of Abdullah has further increased the political stir and has raised the question, what fear is he pointing to?
What was Naugam blast?
The Home Ministry has described this horrific accident that took place at Nowgam Police Station in Srinagar as a “major accidental explosion”. The blast occurred when police were conducting forensic examination of explosives recovered from the terror module. This sudden blast not only took the lives of the police personnel but also caused huge damage to the nearby houses. Meanwhile, Farooq Abdullah, while referring to “Operation Sindoor”, expressed concern that no such step should be taken again which could worsen the situation.
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Why did Farooq Abdullah remember Operation Sindoor?
Farooq Abdullah said, “Nothing came out of this. People died, borders became unstable and tensions increased. Hopefully nothing like this will happen again.” His point was clear that an explosion like Naugam sometimes leads governments to take sudden major military or security measures, which have an impact on the general public. Abdullah also quoted Atal Bihari Vajpayee and said that “Friends can be changed, but neighbors cannot. India and Pakistan have to improve their relations.” He indicated that solutions emerge more from dialogue than from tension.
What really happened at Naugam Police Station?
Joint Secretary of the Home Ministry, Prashant Lokhande said that the police were conducting chemical and forensic examination of the explosives recovered from the terrorist module. The explosives were placed in an open and declared safe area. Suddenly a big explosion occurred during the investigation. Many police officers and other people present at the scene were killed in this accident. The glasses of nearby buildings were broken and there was chaos in the entire area.
Was there a lapse in security protocol?
Farooq Abdullah’s statement raises the most questions on this point. He said that the job of handling explosives should have been given to experts who are trained in handling them. In his words, “Those who understand explosives better should have been consulted first.” It is clear that they are considering this incident as a mistake of security management.
What will be the next step?
The police have started investigating the entire matter. It is being ascertained how and due to which technical deficiency the explosion occurred. The central government has also asked for a detailed report. At the same time, there is a feeling of fear among the common people and local leaders that this incident might become the cause of some major tension.
Is Naugam blast the beginning of new controversies?
This big explosion of Naugam is not just an accident, but is raising many questions at all three levels, security, politics and diplomacy. Farooq Abdullah’s statement makes this incident even more serious, as it directly reminds of past actions that did not have good results. Only time will tell what the further investigation will reveal, but the Naugam blast has once again increased the tension in the air of the valley.