The Guardians Lost to an Accidental Blast: Kashmir City’s Sleep Shattered by a Police Station Blast

Suhail Khan

Srinagar, Nov 15: A devastating high-intensity blast, described by witnesses as “atom bomb-like,” shook the summer capital Srinagar late Friday night after confiscated explosives accidentally detonated inside the Nowgam police station. The explosion resulted in the deaths of nine individuals—including a SIA Inspector, a Naib Tehsildar, and a tailor—while dozens of others sustained injuries.

The force of the blast was so great that it damaged several houses in the densely populated neighborhood surrounding the police station. Windows shattered, and panic swept through the area as emergency teams responded.

An official told Kashmir Convener that the explosion occurred while police and forensic officials were extracting samples from a large cache of seized explosives linked to the “white-collar” terror module case. The explosive materials, part of a 360 kg haul recovered from a rented residence in Faridabad, Haryana, had been transported and stored at the Nowgam police station as evidence.

Ambulances and police vehicles rushed to the scene, ferrying the injured to nearby hospitals. Authorities confirmed that the victims are receiving treatment and are reported to be in stable condition.

Among the deceased were a member of the Special Investigation Agency (SIA) of the J&K Police, three members of the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) team, two crime scene photographers, two revenue officials associated with the magistrate’s team, and a tailor working with the authorities, the official said.

The Nowgam police station building suffered extensive damage, with nearby properties also affected. Smaller successive explosions during the incident initially hampered rescue operations, the official added.

During a press briefing, Prashant Lokhande, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs, explained that the blast occurred while a large cache of explosives and chemicals, recovered during an anti-terror investigation, was being processed for forensic analysis. “Owing to the unstable and sensitive nature of the materials, handling was carried out under expert supervision. However, during this process, an accidental explosion took place at about 11:20 pm on November 14,” Lokhande stated.

Director General of Police, J&K, Nalin Prabhat, during a press conference as per Kashmir Convener, confirmed that the Forensic Science Laboratory team was examining the seized materials, which had been securely stored at Nowgam police station. He emphasized that sampling and handling procedures were being conducted with the utmost caution due to the sensitive nature of the recovery. Unfortunately, an accidental detonation occurred.

Authorities have urged the public not to speculate about the cause of the explosion. Both the Ministry of Home Affairs and J&K Police have categorically dismissed claims of involvement by any Pakistan-based terror group, including JeM’s PAFF, stating that the explosion was accidental and the cause remains under investigation.

Meanwhile, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has ordered a probe into the incident.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and extended heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved families, praying for a swift recovery for all the injured.

He said the government will compensate for damages caused to nearby structures by the accidental blast at Nowgam police station.

CM Omar Abdullah said the government will compensate for damages caused to nearby structures by the accidental blast at Nowgam police station.

Abdullah said the government stands firmly with the victims’ families and will provide every possible support to them.

“The chief minister has assured that the government stands firmly with the families who lost their loved ones in the tragic Nowgam police station explosion and will provide every possible support to them.

He has also directed health minister Sakina Itoo to ensure the best treatment for the injured and assured that the damaged structures will be duly compensated,”.

Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary highlighted the ongoing suffering caused by terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, calling for all political parties to unite against the menace. “The region has suffered immensely over the last 35 years. Today’s blast is another tragic chapter in this long history,” he noted.

Peoples Democratic Party chief, Mehbooba Mufti, also expressed anguish, acknowledging the risks and hardship faced by police personnel. She extended condolences to the families of the victims and wished the injured a speedy recovery.

Meanwhile, residents have raised concerns regarding the decision to store such a large quantity of explosive material in a densely populated area.

Bashir Ahmad, a local resident, described the moment of the blast: “We felt as if it was an earthquake. Our houses shook, and window panes shattered.”

Elderly resident Feroz Ahmad Bhat spoke emotionally about his relief after confirming the safety of his daughter and her family, whose house was close to the blast site. He reported that eight to ten houses in the neighborhood were damaged, including his brother’s house, which lies near the police station. Residents are now demanding answers and greater caution from the authorities to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

He said, “We are in shock. There is still fear among the residents, and it will take time to come out from the trauma.”

Saleema, a local woman, said, “It was almost sleeping time, and many must have been asleep. Suddenly, atom bomb-like sounds were heard, which not only shook the whole locality but caused widespread fear. A feeling of helplessness set in, and panic spread throughout the area. Everywhere, people were crying, ‘Oh God, what’s happening? Oh Allah, what is going on?'” She narrated the hours of trauma after the blast created panic across the city.

Saleema added that most of the houses in the locality are damaged and appealed to the administration to provide possible compensation.