Nine Rusted Unexploded Mortar Shells Discovered and Safely Destroyed Near LoC in Poonch, J&K
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Jammu, February 28 (NationPress) - A total of nine rusted unexploded mortar shells were discovered on Saturday in close proximity to the Line of Control (LoC) in the Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir, which were subsequently neutralized safely.
According to officials, "The unexploded mortar shells were located in a forward village near the LoC in the Mankote area of the Mendhar sector."
"These shells were scattered throughout the area during an area domination patrol conducted by Army troops. Following their discovery, the entire vicinity was cordoned off as a safety precaution. Army bomb disposal units were swiftly deployed to the scene to disarm the explosives," the officials elaborated.
The police in Mendhar verified that the mortar shells were safely detonated during controlled explosions managed by a collaborative team of the Army and Police.
Officials added that no casualties or property damage occurred during the operation, and the situation remains entirely under control.
It is worth noting that remnants from previous cross-border shelling are regularly found in forward areas along the LoC and are addressed according to standard safety protocols by security forces.
Following Operation Sindoor, Poonch was significantly affected when Pakistan retaliated to Indian strikes on terrorist infrastructure by targeting civilian structures and military installations.
In the district of Poonch, 14 civilians, including a senior officer, lost their lives due to indiscriminate shelling from Pakistan.
Pakistani shelling also damaged a mosque, a temple, a church, and a Gurdwara, along with numerous civilian homes and businesses.
A comprehensive rehabilitation plan was devised for families impacted by the Pakistani shelling in Poonch, supported by the central government.
This plan includes the construction of more bunkers and shelters for civilians to utilize during cross-border shelling, as well as financial aid for families whose homes were destroyed.