Army Safely Neutralizes 67 Unexploded Shells in J&K's Poonch to Protect Border Villages

In a major safety operation, the Indian Army has successfully neutralized 67 unexploded shells in forward villages near the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district. These deadly remnants were left behind after recent cross-border shelling by Pakistani forces earlier in May.

The operation covered several villages including Chajla, Jhulas, Mendhar, Mankot, and Lower Krishna Ghati, which are located dangerously close to the LoC and are often subjected to artillery fire. The unexploded shells posed a serious risk to the lives of local residents, especially farmers and children who might unknowingly come across them.

The Army launched a carefully planned clearance mission to locate and defuse these hazardous shells. According to officials, the shelling between May 7 and 10 had caused widespread panic and left behind several live shells that failed to explode on impact but remained highly dangerous.

To avoid any harm during the demolitions, affected areas were first cordoned off and civilians were moved to safer places. Only after securing the surroundings did the bomb disposal teams carry out controlled explosions to safely neutralize the shells. These efforts were carried out in close coordination with the local administration.

The Army spokesperson emphasized that this operation is part of a larger ongoing initiative to make border villages safe again. Apart from responding to enemy shelling, the Army is also working hard to remove any remaining unexploded munitions to prevent accidental injuries or loss of life.

Local residents have welcomed the move and expressed relief, saying they now feel safer returning to their daily lives. For many farmers, the clearance means they can return to their fields without fear. The Army has also reassured villagers that sanitization and disposal operations will continue in all affected areas until no threats remain.

This effort is yet another example of how the armed forces are not just protecting the borders from external threats, but also ensuring the safety and well-being of people living in these vulnerable areas.