MENDHAR/JAMMU, Oct. 5
The Indian Army safely destroyed two landmines detected during a routine patrol along the Line of Control in the Mendhar sector of Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district on Monday, officials said.
The explosive devices were spotted by Army personnel near the border fence at Basooni Top at around 9.50 am.
Immediately after the landmines were detected, security personnel cordoned off the area as a precautionary measure to prevent any accidental movement near the explosives.
The Army’s Bomb Disposal Squad was subsequently called to the location.
Trained personnel examined the devices before destroying both landmines through a controlled explosion.
Officials said the operation was completed safely and no damage or injuries were reported.
Forward areas along the Line of Control have extensive anti-infiltration obstacle systems, including minefields, intended to strengthen security along sensitive stretches of the border.
Landmines deployed in such areas can occasionally become displaced or exposed because of environmental conditions.
Heavy rainfall, soil erosion and movement of the ground can shift mines from their original locations or expose devices that had previously remained buried.
Security forces therefore maintain surveillance of such areas, particularly around border fencing and other components of the anti-infiltration grid.
When mines or other explosive devices are discovered, the surrounding area is secured before bomb disposal specialists assess and neutralise the threat.
Monday’s incident followed the same procedure.
The mines were detected during routine patrolling rather than following any explosion or security incident, allowing the Army to secure the location before safely destroying them.
No civilian or military casualties were reported.
The incident also highlights the continuing hazards associated with minefields in forward areas, where even previously deployed defensive devices can become dangerous if weather or terrain changes their position.
Routine patrols and inspection of the anti-infiltration obstacle system therefore serve not only a border-security role but also help identify such hazards before they can cause accidental casualties.
Following the controlled destruction of the two devices, no further threat from the detected mines was reported.
