Landmine found near LoC in Poonch's Mendhar, destroyed safely by Army bomb disposal squad

Security agencies in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district have been put on alert after a landmine was found near the Line of Control (LoC). The landmine was spotted during patrolling in Mendhar sub-division. The Indian Army's bomb disposal squad destroyed it safely.

Army personnel were on routine patrol in the forward area of Balakot when they noticed the landmine. They reported it immediately and the bomb disposal squad was sent to the spot. The squad destroyed the landmine without any loss of life or damage.

Landmines are used at various places in areas along the LoC to prevent infiltration. However, heavy rain and seasonal floods often wash these landmines away from their original positions to other places. For this reason, security forces search for such explosives and destroy them safely.

Earlier, on October 5, two landmines were found near the border fence at Basuni Top in the Mendhar sector. On that occasion too, the bomb disposal squad destroyed both explosives safely through a controlled blast.

Landmines displaced by rain or floods can be a danger not only to security personnel but also to ordinary people living near the border. In hill areas, there is also a risk that old or displaced landmines may suddenly explode because of forest fires.

Meanwhile, security officials have cautioned local residents. Farmers and children who take cattle out to graze have been asked in particular to stay away from unfamiliar or suspicious objects. The appeal says that anyone who sees a metallic or suspicious object should neither touch it nor try to move it.

People who see such an object should immediately inform the nearest security post or the police. A trained team then examines the object and takes the necessary action. Given the security of the border, the security arrangements have been kept on high alert. Drone surveillance and patrolling in forests have also been stepped up.