Army defuses 67 unexploded shells in Poonch, thwarting looming threat to civilians

JJ Toseef R Ganai
Jammu, June 2 – In a meticulously coordinated operation, the Indian Army has successfully defused 67 unexploded artillery shells in the forward villages of Poonch district, Jammu and Kashmir, along the sensitive Line of Control (LoC). This strategic intervention comes in the wake of intense cross-border shelling from Pakistan between May 7 and 10, which left behind hazardous remnants of war dangerously close to civilian habitations.
The unexploded ordnance was neutralized in high-risk villages including Chajla, Jhulas, Mendhar, Mankot, and Lower Krishna Ghati. These operations are part of an ongoing initiative to safeguard lives, protect property, and restore normalcy in border communities that routinely bear the brunt of hostile engagement.
According to a defence spokesperson, these shells if left unattendedpose an imminent threat not only to human lives but also to livestock and agricultural activity in the region. “The systematic clearance of these explosive devices underscores the Army’s unwavering commitment to the safety and security of the civilian population,” he stated.
Each demolition was executed with scrupulous precision. Prior to neutralization, the surrounding areas were cordoned off and civilians were temporarily relocated to ensure zero collateral damage. The Army worked in tandem with local administrative bodies, demonstrating a seamless civil-military coordination model under high-stakes conditions.
These demolitions form a crucial component of a broader campaign to clear conflict-affected zones of residual military threats. The initiative aims not just at removing physical dangers, but also at assuaging the lingering fear and psychological distress endured by residents in these high-tension border belts.
Authorities have lauded the Army’s professional handling of the crisis, noting that the swift and careful disposal of these shells has averted potential tragedies. With the situation now stabilizing, locals have expressed relief and gratitude, hoping for a future unmarred by the echoes of artillery fire.