PDP President Mehbooba Mufti on Tuesday said that trained experts should have been assigned to handle the ammonium nitrate involved in the Nowgam Police Station blast, adding that the tragedy could have been prevented with proper safety measures.
She made the remarks during her visit to the Kupwara residence of Inspector Peer Asrar ul Haq, one of the nine people who lost their lives in the incident.
Speaking to reporters, Mehbooba said the blast had pushed Kashmir into a difficult and frightening situation, raising serious concerns about the way hazardous material was managed.
She said police personnel and other staff were exposed to unnecessary risk despite the availability of professional expertise that should have been utilised from the beginning.
Mehbooba added that many of the deceased had very young children who are now left behind, urging the government to ensure all possible assistance and compensation for the affected families.
She also said those who lost their lives in the Nowgam blast should be honoured with bravery awards for their sacrifice.
Speaking on the Red Fort blast case, Mehbooba said there should be no collective punishment for Kashmiris and stressed that only those found guilty should be dealt with strictly under the law.
Mehbooba Mufti extended her condolences to the families and called for accountability, proper safety protocols, and trained handling of dangerous materials to prevent such tragedies in the future. (Agencies)
