Experts should have been tasked to handle Ammonium Nitrate: Mehbooba

Srinagar, Nov 18: PDP President Mehbooba Mufti on Tuesday said that trained experts should have been tasked to handle the ammonium nitrate involved in the Nowgam Police Station blast, adding that the tragedy could have been avoided with proper safety measures.
She made these 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 thrown Kashmir into a difficult and frightening situation, and raised concerns about the way hazardous material was managed.
She said police personnel and other staff were put at unnecessary risk despite the availability of professional expertise that should have been used from the beginning.
Mehbooba added that many of the deceased had very young children who are now left behind, and urged the government to ensure all possible assistance and compensation to 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, she 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 family and called for accountability, proper safety protocols, and trained handling of dangerous materials to prevent such tragedies in future. (KNS)