Attacker was stopped at gate before detonating explosive, say police
Haroon Siraj &
Haqnawaz shinwari
SWAT/ PESHAWAR
At least 15 people were killed and more than 20 others injured in a bomb blast during a peace demonstration at Kabal Chowk in Swat district on Sunday, according to rescue officials. The demonstration had been organised by Olasi Pasoon, with people from different parts of the district gathering to demand peace amid growing security concerns and recent militant activity in the area.
Participants were chanting slogans calling for the restoration of peace when the explosion occurred.
Rescue officials said nine bodies and at least 16 injured people were shifted to Saidu Sharif Teaching Hospital, while five bodies and several injured were taken to Tehsil Headquarters Hospital, Kabal. Police and security forces cordoned off the area immediately after the blast and launched a search operation. The nature of the explosion and those responsible were not immediately confirmed, while an investigation was underway.
The incident comes days after an armed clash between suspected militants and police in the Shalkho Sar area of Swat’s Matta and Kabal tehsils. In that exchange of fire, one police was killed, while police claimed that militants were also killed during the operation. No group had claimed responsibility for Sunday’s blast at the time this report was filed.
KP information minister condemns Swat blast
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Information Minister Shafi Jan on Sunday strongly condemned the bomb blast near Kabal Police Station in Swat and expressed grief over the deaths of police personnel and civilians.
In a statement, he said the attack would not weaken the resolve of the police or the public, adding that terrorists would never succeed in their designs. He said the injured were being provided the best possible medical treatment and the provincial government would extend all possible support to the families of the victims. He also prayed for the departed souls and the early recovery of the injured.
