Army has neutralized 67 unexploded shells in border villages along the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir.
The Jammu-based defence spokesperson said the unexploded shells were defused in villages Chajla, Jhulas, Mendhar, Mankot and Lower Krishna Ghati as part of an ongoing effort to protect lives and property in border regions, the spokesperson said.
Army has been conducting systematic demolition of unexploded shells left behind after cross-border shelling by Pakistan between May 7 and 10 following Operation Sindoor launched by Indian military to target and destroy terror infrastructure in Pakistan and PoK.
“The shelling, which often targets civilian settlements, pose a persistent threat to residents and livestock in the affected areas. As of now, a total of 67 unexploded shells have been successfully neutralized,” the defence spokesperson said.
These operations are part of a broader initiative by the Army to clear populated and agricultural areas of dangerous ordnance.
“The Army, working in close coordination with local administration, has been conducting these demolitions with utmost caution. The affected areas are first cordoned off, and civilians are temporarily relocated to ensure no harm during the controlled explosions,” the defence spokesman said.
Army is continuing area sanitisation and disposal operations wherever shelling has taken place, the spokesperson said.
He said the Army remains vigilant not only in responding to hostile actions but also in ensuring that post-shelling dangers like unexploded ordnance do not cause further casualties.
“The clearance mission will ensure that all potentially dangerous munitions are rendered harmless,” added the spokesperson.