RAWALPINDI: The Imambargah Gracy Lane, which was targeted by a suicide bomber on Tuesday night, is located in a very secure area surrounded by army installations.

The locality also houses the Balmiki Hindu Temple and is home to more than 25 Hindu families and army and air force officials.

After the attack, which left three persons including a policeman dead and 14 others injured, panic gripped the city.

This was because 11 people were killed and scores others injured during the Ashura violence at Raja Bazaar on November 15. The Tuesday attack came when security was being beefed up for the Chehlum of Hazrat Imam Hussain on December 24.

After the blast, a large number people gathered on the spot, hindering rescue work. Shopkeepers pulled their shutters at Tipu Road and Bewal Lines and adjoining areas of Benazir Bhutto International Airport.

“I was at the gate of my house when I heard the blast. It knocked me down. I could not restore my senses for a few moments before getting up running back to my house,” said Mohammad Ramzan, who lived close to the imambargah.

Hassan Khan, the owner of a cigarette kiosk, said the blast terrified him and scared his customers away. “For a few moments, I was even unable to move,” he said.

Army, Military Police and traffic police personnel didn’t allow anyone to enter the area and diverted the traffic to alternative routes. Ironically, not a single leader from the PML-N, PPP or the PTI reached the spot.

Nasir Mehmood, a resident of Gracy Lane, said: “Why the government is not taking measures to eliminate terrorists who have killed thousands of innocent people in the country.”

Mohammad Kamal, a resident of Bewal Lane, added: “We are confined in our home due to the fear.”

Mohammad Furqan said when the police knew that some suicide attackers had entered the city, why they failed to arrest them.

Another resident, Khalid Ahmed, said mosques, bazaars and residential areas were also not safe.

He said instead of making tall claims the government should ensure the protection of life and property of the citizens.