Police closing in on terror network behind blast: IGP
Those on duty didn’t check the suspect because he was in a police uniform, says Ansari; KP cops, in an unprecedented move, protest in uniform against Peshawar bombing that killed over 100 people
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Inspector General of Police (IGP) Moazzam Jah Ansari has said that the suicide bomber involved in the Peshawar mosque blast had been identified and the police were closing in on the terror network behind the deadly atack. The suicide bomber entered wearing a uniform and helmet, he said.
Hundreds of police were atending aternoon prayers inside what should have been a tightly controlled police headquarters in the northwest city of Peshawar on Monday when the blast erupted, causing a wall to collapse and crush officers.
“Those on duty didn’t check him because he was in a police uniform... It was a security lapse,” Ansari said.
The suspect is shown in CCTV images arriving at the gates on a motorcycle before walking through a security checkpoint and asking officers where the mosque was located.
Authorities are investigating how a major breach could happen in one of the most sensitive areas in the city, which houses the intelligence and counter-terrorism bureaus.
Police in different parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) have held protest marches to condemn the Monday bombing of a mosque inside a compound that let more than 100 dead and scores wounded.
In an unprecedented move and what is believed to be the first of its kind, over 24 uniformed police personnel gathered outside Peshawar Press Club in Peshawar and chanted slogans for peace.
They demanded an independent investigation into the blast in the mosque at the police lines in Peshawar. They were holding placards inscribed with different slogans. They said that they wanted to raise their voice against the injustice with KP police.
The protesting policemen said that their demonstration was against the “system” and they were compelled to take to the streets owing to the deteriorating law and order situation in the province and seek justice for the victims of terrorist atacks.
In Mardan, policemen gathered outside the local press club and held a protest to demand effective measures for protection of law enforcers. They stated that police were fighting as a frontline force in the war against terrorism and rendered countless sacrifices. They questioned the explosion in a highly guarded and sensitive area. They also demanded a judicial inquiry into the incident.
In Swabi, police personnel gathered outside the district headquarters and marched till Karnal Sher Khan Chowk where they staged a protest against the Peshawar blast.
The protesters were holding placards inscribed with different slogans against the dreadful suicide atack. They stated that they were being killed by unidentified people. They demanded an independent investigation into the Peshawar blast.
In Swat, police held special prayers and Quran Khwani at Javed Iqbal Shaheed Police Lines. Malakand Regional Police Officer Sajjad Khan, Swat District Police Officer Shafiullah Khan Gandapur, Additional superintendent of police (SP) Rahim Hussain Khan, SPS Izhar Shah and Pir Zar Badshah and other officers were present on the occasion. Regional Police Officer (RPO) Sajjad Khan stated the history of police was full of sacrifices. He condoled with the families of those policemen, who embraced martyrdom in the suicide atack in Peshawar on Monday.
In Charsadda, a police durbar was organised where Quran Khwani was held for the departed souls and recovery of injured cops. SP Sajjad Khan, station house officers and police constable were present on the occasion.
District police officer (DPO) Sohail Khalid stated that they were facing a “coward” enemy, who could not fight face to face. He said that the morale of every official of the police department was high.
“Terrorists cannot demoralise us with such actions,” he said and added that they were protecting their nation.
In Shangla, police organised the Quran Khwani for the victims of Peshawar blast. The police officers and personnel also offered prayers for departed souls of police martyrs.