Twin explosions rock India’s Jammu and Kashmir, 7 injured

At least seven personswere injured in a suspected terror attack after twin explosions rocked Jammu city within a span of 15 minutes in the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir in India’s north on Saturday morning.Additional Director General of Police (Jammu) Mukesh Singh said that the blasts occurred in Narwal area of Jammu.

"The whole area has been cordoned off,senior police officers along with other personnel are at the spot and further investigations are underway. The injured have been rushed to the hospital," another police official said, reports PTI news agency.

Hospital sources said seven people were admitted with splinter injuries and all of them are “stable”.

The twin explosions took place in Yard Number 7 of Transport Nagar in Narwal area.

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The first blast occurred at around 10.45 am, followed by another explosion, an official in Jammu told the news agency PTI, adding that the whole area was cordoned off and a search operation is underway.

Jaswinder Singh, an eyewitness, said the first blast occurred in a vehicle that was sent to a workshop for repairs, reported PTI.“Fifteen minutes later, another explosion nearby littered the area with damaged parts and garbage,” said Singh, chief of the Motor Spare Parts Association.

Five people were injured in the first blast and two more in the second, he added.

Senior officials of the Army and Security Impact Analysis (SIA) teams reached the spot and sanitisation operation was carried out.Teams of forensic experts, bomb disposal squad and sniffer dogs were also pressed into serviceand collected samples.

The Narwal area of the Jammu city is a commercial hub and remains crowded throughout the day. It has fruit and vegetable market besides many shops of tyres, spare parts, junk dealers and car accessories.

Jammu & Kashmir Lieutenant-GeneralManoj Sinha has strongly condemned the blasts in Narwal, Jammu. Senior police officials briefed the LG about the blast and ongoing investigation. He called for urgent steps to identify the culprits and take action against them.

“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,” Sinha told officials.

The LG also offered his heartfelt sympathies to those injured in the explosions and announced a relief of Rs 50,000 for each injured. He added that the administration would ensure best treatment to the injured and extend every required help to their families.

The blasts have taken place even as security has been beefed up across the Union territory in view of the upcoming Republic Day celebrations and senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's Bharat Jodo Yatra has entered the state.

The yatra has been given a massive security cover, with both police and paramilitary forces ring-fencing Gandhi and his followers while jammers have also been deployed. Reports said that the Congress leader has been advised by security agencies to not walk certain stretches during the yatra in Kashmir.

(With inputs from agencies)

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