Security lapse: Girls school blown up in Hangu

Residents say no action was taken when police was informed of suspicious activity

HANGU: In the first such incident, a school was blown up in Kotki, on the outskirts of Hangu city, on Monday.

According to DSP Hussain Badshah, two explosions occurred at the Government Girls Middle School Kotki around 12:30am. “Six rooms out of 12 were completely destroyed,” he said, adding that the watchman of the school was absent from duty.

The DSP further said that the bombs were planted at opposite ends of the structure.

According to the bomb disposal squad (BDS), both bombs weighed five kilogrammes each and were planted in canisters.  A case has been filed against the unidentified culprits.

According to a resident, police was informed about the presence of strangers in the area but no action was taken against them.

However, DSP Badshah, while talking to The Express Tribune, said that they have received reports about suspects residing on the outskirts of the city.

He added that they have launched several search operations in Sarakdana, Kando Kallay and Speen Khaware. Many suspected militants have been arrested in these crackdowns.

“We will launch an operation against offenders and suspects in the area after Muharram,” he said, adding that this was the first such incident in the area.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 20^th, 2012.