Balakot rocked by blasts, 6 landmines exploded one after the other on LoC in Poonch, entire area surrounded by smoke

A major incident has come to light near the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir. A massive fire suddenly broke out in the forest here. Due to the heat of this fire, explosions started happening one after the other in the landmines laid under the ground. This incident, which happened on Sunday morning, created a stir in the area. It is fortunate that there was no loss of life during this period. These landmines were laid to prevent infiltration from across the border. According to officials, the fire broke out near the zero line in the forests of Balakot sector. Due to its impact, about half a dozen tunnels that were part of the anti-infiltration obstacle system burst. The army and administration are continuously trying to extinguish the fire. This incident is sensitive from security point of view because it can affect the anti-intrusion system.

Panic due to blasts in Balakot sector: Officials said that the fire incident occurred around 10 am. Suddenly flames started rising in the dense forests of Balakot. The fire was so intense that it reached the zero line. Landmines were already laid there for security. Due to the heat of the fire, explosions started in these tunnels. An official has confirmed that more than six landmines have exploded. However, the good thing is that no army soldier or civilian was injured in this incident. Efforts to extinguish the fire are still going on, but due to it being a forest area, problems are being faced.

Anti-intrusion system affected: A strong system works to prevent infiltration at the border. This is called Anti Infiltration Obstacle System. Under this, landmines are laid in the forward areas of LoC. This is an effective way to stop terrorists coming from Pakistan. The system has suffered some damage due to the explosions that took place on Sunday. The army is immediately taking stock of the situation so that there is no lapse in security. Security is always tight on the zero line and vigilance is further increased after such accidents.

Soldiers have maps of mines: The soldiers deployed on LoC patrol 24 hours. They have detailed maps to avoid areas with landmines. This keeps them safe. Sometimes due to technical reasons or soil slip, mines start moving from their place. These are called ‘drift mines’. Only in such cases, there is a risk of accident during patrolling. But this time fire was the main reason. The army is trying to control the fire with utmost caution so that more mines do not explode.

Border security arrangements in Jammu and Kashmir: Border security in Jammu and Kashmir is divided into two parts. On one side there is 740 km long Line of Control (LoC), and on the other side there is 240 km long International Border (IB). The Army guards the LoC in districts like Baramulla, Kupwara and Bandipora in the valley. Poonch and Rajouri in Jammu division also come under this scope. At the same time, there is international border in Jammu, Samba and Kathua districts. Anti-intrusion system is implemented at both the places. Forest fires often pose a challenge to this system in the summer or dry season.