Fiddling with explosive remnants led to Kulgam blast: IG Kashmir

Inspector General of Police (Kashmir) SP Pani on Sunday informed that after the security forces returned from the encounter site in Kulgam district area, some civilians fiddled with the remnant of explosives which led to the blast that killed six people.

"Three terrorists were eliminated in the Kulgam. Arms and ammunition were recovered. The identities of terrorists have been ascertained. After the encounter when the security forces returned from the spot, a congregation of some people arrived at the place. They were trying to fiddle with the remnant of explosives when the explosion occurred. Unfortunately, six people died in this explosion," Pani said.

He also advised citizens to stay away from all encounter sites and cooperate with security forces until they clear the area.

"It is our request to all that an encounter site is a prohibited place. Until there is a complete clearance and the area is cleaned completely, no one should venture at such places. Unfortunately, this happened. We should request citizens to not venture at such places and cooperate with law enforcement so that explosive remnants from the site can be cleaned and such incidents are not repeated," he said.

The incident took place when some civilians rushed to the encounter site despite security personnel prohibiting them citing the search and combing operation at the spot.

Just then the explosives, laid by the terrorist, went off killing six civilians and injuring several others in the southern district of Kulgam in Jammu and Kashmir. Three terrorists were killed in an encounter with security forces in Larro area of Kulgam district.