Army Detects, Destroys Landmine Along LoC in J&K’s Poonch

The Army on Thursday detected and safely destroyed a landmine along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district, officials said.

The explosive was detected during routine patrolling in the Balakote forward area of Mendhar subdivision. A bomb disposal team was subsequently called in and destroyed the landmine safely.

Officials said forward areas along the LoC are equipped with landmines as part of an anti-infiltration obstacle system. However, heavy rain and seasonal flooding can displace mines from their original positions, creating risks for security personnel and local residents.

The latest incident comes days after two landmines were detected near the border fence at Basooni Top in the Mendhar sector on October 5. Both explosives were neutralised in a controlled explosion by a military bomb disposal team without causing any collateral damage.

Authorities have cautioned residents, particularly farmers and children grazing livestock, against touching or approaching unfamiliar or washed-up metallic objects.

Officials said any suspicious object should be immediately reported to the nearest security checkpoint or police outpost so that trained personnel can safely handle it.

Public awareness programmes, including a recent Police Community Partnership Group (PCPG) meeting at the Zero Line in Balakote, have also been used to sensitise villagers about the dangers posed by suspicious objects and displaced explosives.

Officials said the security grid remains on high alert, with enhanced drone surveillance and intensified patrolling in forest areas to counter both displaced explosives and cross-border infiltration threats.