Army neutralises 42 shells in Poonch

The Army has safely destroyed 42 unexploded shells that had been fired by the Pakistani side in Poonch during the recent conflict between the two countries.

Defence spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Suneel Bartwal stated the Army, working in close coordination with local police authorities, successfully conducted a controlled operation to safely dispose of the 42 unexploded shells in the border areas of Jhullas, Salotri, Dharati, and Salani in the Poonch district.

“These shells, remnants of recent cross-border shelling, posed a significant threat to the lives and safety of local residents,” the spokesperson explained.

“The operation was carried out with utmost precision, adhering to all standard safety protocols to prevent any risk to civilian life or property.”

Authorities in the border districts of Jammu and Kashmir have expressed concern and have issued warnings to residents to remain vigilant for any such objects. In several areas of Jammu along the International Border, residents had also been advised not to return to their homes until all unexploded shells were safely dealt with.

The spokesperson further noted that trained bomb disposal teams from the Indian Army, in conjunction with the police, ensured the complete neutralisation of all explosive remnants. “This proactive effort reflects the organisation’s ongoing commitment to safeguarding civilian populations in conflict-affected zones and restoring a sense of normalcy in vulnerable border communities,” he said.