J&K: Fresh Landmine Blasts Along LoC As Forest Fire Rages For 2nd Day In Poonch

Mendhar/Jammu, Jan 13: Nearly a dozen landmines exploded on Tuesday as a forest fire continued to rage for the second consecutive day along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district, officials said.

The fire, which broke out on Monday afternoon in the Basooni forward area of the Balakote sector, spread further on Tuesday to parts of the Mendhar sector, triggering multiple landmine blasts in the affected areas.

Officials said the forward belts along the LoC are heavily dotted with landmines laid as part of an anti-infiltration obstacle system aimed at preventing terrorists from crossing into Indian territory from across the border. The intense heat from the advancing fire caused nearly a dozen of these landmines to detonate.

In view of the prevailing situation and the possibility of infiltration attempts taking advantage of reduced visibility and disturbance caused by the fire, security forces have stepped up multi-tier security arrangements in the area. Patrolling has also been intensified along the LoC to maintain heightened vigilance.

Authorities are closely monitoring the forest fire and its spread, while efforts are being made to ensure that civilian areas remain unaffected. No casualties or damage to property have been reported so far. (Agencies)