Suspected blast rocks Poonch district: Authorities launch investigation

A suspected blast sent shockwaves through the tranquil Poonch district late last night, targeting the Jammu and Kashmir Police Armed Camp located outside the Surankote tehsil headquarters. Despite the blast’s powerful impact, fortunately, no injuries were reported. However, the explosive sound was so intense that it shattered windows of vehicles parked in the vicinity.

Swiftly responding to the incident, police and security forces descended upon the scene, initiating a comprehensive search operation late into the night. As Wednesday dawned, a renewed search operation commenced, with authorities actively collecting evidence from the blast site.

This marks the second such incident in the Surankote area within recent months. On November 16, a grenade attack targeted a Krishna and Shiva temple near the tehsil headquarters, resulting in damage to the temple’s floor, stairs, and roof. Miraculously, the idols within remained unharmed.

The latest blast prompted panic among local residents and revived concerns of a potential terrorist attack. The area’s proximity to the Line of Control heightened the sensitivity of the situation, leading to increased security measures and a swift response from the army and police. A forensic team was also summoned to the scene.

In a written statement, the police noted, “Some low-intensity, low-impact mysterious blast was reported last night in the parking area of the Armed Battalion of JK Police in Surankote, due to which window panes of some parked vehicles got damaged. The nature of the blast is being investigated.” Security forces are leaving no stone unturned in their investigation, examining the scene, collecting evidence, questioning witnesses, and reviewing CCTV footage.