Hundreds of mourners, many with tears in their eyes, gathered today to bid a final farewell to those who lost their lives in the tragic explosion at Srinagar’s Nowgam Police Station.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah announced an ex-gratia relief of Rs.10 lakh for each of the deceased and Rs.1 lakh for the severely injured, expressing solidarity with the families devastated by the tragedy.
Families, neighbours, and community members came together in silence, offering prayers and comforting one another as they laid their loved ones to rest.
Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha consoled the grieving relatives of the killed while he laid a wreath and offered tributes to the police personnel, revenue officials and a civilian who lost their lives.
He met the bereaved families and conveyed his condolences. He also interacted with family members of those who lost their lives in the blast.
“The nation will forever remain indebted to their selfless service and supreme sacrifice in the line of duty”, he said.
Earlier, the LG, accompanied by chief secretary Atal Dulloo and DGP Nalin Prabhat visited the SMHS Hospital where he enquired about the health of the injured persons.
Health Minister Saakina Itoo visited Chansar Kulgam to express solidarity with the family members of Arshid Ahmad Shah, who was killed in the accidental blast.
The Minister interacted closely with the family, offering words of comfort and called the incident deeply unfortunate and shocking. She also prayed for peace for the departed soul and courage for family to bear this irreparable loss.
Hundreds of people gathered in Drugmulla to pay respect to the Police Inspector Israr Ahmad Shah of the State Investigation Agency (SIA) as his body reached the village late in the afternoon.
Shah was among the police officers investigating involvement of the “white collar” terrorists from Kashmir in piling up explosives in Faridabad (Haryana).
At the time of the blast, Shah was reportedly in the team that was sampling the explosives that were brought to the Nowgam police station from Faridabad.
The entire village sunk in sorrow as people came out to pay their last respects to Shah. He joined the J&K Police in 2011 and was currently posted in the SIA.
He is survived by his wife, two children and elderly parents. The news of his death spread across Kupwara and people rushed to his home.
Funeral prayers were held at the local Eidgah where civil, police and security forces officers were present.