Indian Army neutralises over 42 unexploded shells near LoC in J&K's Poonch

In a major operation to clear civilian areas following a military confrontation between India and Pakistan, Security forces on Sunday destroyed 42 unexploded shells in different forward villages near the Line of Control in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said.

A defence spokesperson said that the Indian Army, in close coordination with local police authorities, successfully carried out a controlled operation for the safe destruction of 42 unexploded ordnances in the border areas of Jhullas, Salotri, Dharati and Salani.

He said these shells, remnants of recent cross-border shelling, posed a serious threat to the lives and safety of local residents.

The spokesperson further said that the operation was carried out with utmost precision, adhering to all standard safety protocols to prevent any risk to civilian life or property. He said the bomb disposal teams from the Indian Army, in coordination with police, ensured the complete neutralisation of all explosive remnants.

More from India

Jammu and Kashmir: Encounter breaks out in Kishtwar, 4 terrorists likely trapped J&K: Encounter breaks out between terrorists and security forces in Tral

This proactive effort, he said, reflects the Army’s continued commitment to safeguarding civilian populations in conflict-affected zones and restoring normalcy in vulnerable border communities.

The cleanup comes in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor, under which India destroyed nine terror infrastructures in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) on May 7.

Following the Indian strikes, Pakistan attempted retaliatory attacks on Indian military installations on May 8, 9 and 10. The two sides eventually reached an understanding to cease hostilities on May 10 after four days of intense confrontation.

With inputs from agencies