Four youths killed in landmine blast near LoC in AJK’s Poonch

Four young men lost their lives when a landmine, reportedly believed to have drifted from the Indian side, exploded near the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch district of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), according to the region’s Directorate General of Public Relations (DGPR).

The incident occurred in Mehndla Madarpur village as the youths headed to a nearby spring to repair a water supply pipeline. Initial reports said the four were carrying out the routine task when the explosive device detonated, killing them at the scene.

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The deceased were identified as Faizan Sagheer, Ishtiaq, Asim Rafiq and Waqas Sharif. Their deaths left the local community in mourning, with residents expressing sorrow over the loss of the four young men.

Local reports, citing security sources, said the victims had gone to the spring near Mehndla Madarpur to restore the water pipeline when the blast took place.

The tragedy has drawn attention to the dangers faced by people living in settlements close to the LoC, where unexploded devices and challenging terrain can turn ordinary activities into life-threatening situations.

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The DGPR warned that landmines drifting from the Indian side remained a threat to civilians and livestock in areas along the LoC. It identified difficult terrain, unclear border demarcation and the movement of explosive devices as factors exposing nearby communities to danger.

The incident has once again highlighted the risks posed by landmines and other explosive devices in border villages, where residents often have to cross open areas to reach water sources or carry out routine domestic and agricultural work.

The latest incident comes amid heightened tensions along the Pakistan-India border. Earlier this month, two Pakistani civilians were killed in the Bedian Sector along the international border by personnel of India’s Border Security Force (BSF), according to Pakistan’s Foreign Office.

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In its statement following the incident, the Foreign Office said BSF personnel had used lethal force against unarmed civilians, calling the action unjustified and disproportionate. The killings prompted Pakistan to lodge a formal protest with India.

Pakistan subsequently summoned India’s Chargé d’Affaires to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to convey its strong objection to the deaths.

Landmines and other explosive remnants can remain dangerous for years after being laid. The threat can be particularly severe in conflict-affected areas, where heavy rainfall and shifting ground may dislodge explosive devices and carry them into places used by civilians.

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