Key Takeaways
- Nine people killed in Nowgam police station explosion
- Blast occurred during investigation of major terror module
- 32 injured including 27 police personnel
- Government announces compensation for victims
Grief and shock spread across the Kashmir Valley as the bodies of nine victims from the Nowgam police station explosion reached their hometowns for final rites. The accidental blast on Friday night has left communities devastated and exposed the massive scale of the tragedy.
Scene of Destruction
The powerful explosion completely destroyed the multi-storey Nowgam police station, located in a congested area on Srinagar’s outskirts. Shattered corridors, burnt records and mangled vehicles are all that remain of the facility that was investigating a major “white collar” inter-state terror module.
The police station had recovered approximately 2,900 kg of explosive materials in multiple raids since October 19 while working on the high-profile case.
Eyewitness Accounts
Local residents described terrifying moments when the blast occurred around 11:20 PM on Friday. “We were preparing to sleep when the earth shook and window panes shattered,” recalled a mother of two from Nowgam. “A huge brown glow lit up the skies. To our shock, we found body parts littered around the area.”
Another resident said the explosion caused structural damage to nearby homes. “Besides broken windows, the blast caused cracks in house walls. I’ve never seen such horrific scenes. For a moment, we thought flames could engulf the entire area.”
Victims’ Stories
Muhammad Shafi Parray: The Family Breadwinner
The family of Muhammad Shafi Parray, a tailor by profession, remains in shock. Parray had gone to help police with packing work and was the sole earner for his family of four. A relative appealed, “The government should give one of his three children a job to sustain their livelihood.”
Javaid Ahmad Rather: Crime Branch Cameraman
Javaid Ahmad Rather, who worked as a Crime Branch cameraman with the Forensic Science Laboratory team, was taking samples of seized explosives when the blast occurred. Married in 2020, he leaves behind a three-year-old daughter. “He was helpful to everyone. It’s tragic to see the young soul buried for no fault of his,” a relative mourned.
Muzaffar Ahmad and Asrar Ahmad Shah
Hundreds attended the last rites of Naib Tehsildar Muzaffar Ahmad at Budgam’s Soibugh, with newly elected MLA Aga Muntazir Mehdi among mourners. The PDP cancelled all celebrations for its Budgam bypoll victory following the tragedy.
In Kupwara’s Omerapad, Sub-Inspector Asrar Ahmad Shah was remembered as a “role model” for local youth. Shah, who joined police in 2011 and served in the Special Cell and State Investigation Agency, is survived by his wife, two children and elderly parents.
Government Response
The Jammu and Kashmir government has announced compensation for residents whose structures were damaged. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah stated, “The government stands firmly with the victims’ families and will provide every possible support to them.”
Police confirmed 32 people were injured in the blast, including 27 police personnel, highlighting the extensive impact on security forces.
