Daijiworld Media Network – Poonch

Poonch, May 18: In a major safety operation, the Indian Army, in coordination with local police, successfully destroyed 42 unexploded shells in various border villages of Poonch district. These shells were remnants of recent cross-border shelling from Pakistan that claimed the lives of 12 civilians and left 42 injured.

The controlled operation took place across the villages of Jhullas, Salotri, Dharati, and Salani. Trained bomb disposal teams executed the task with precision, adhering strictly to standard safety protocols to eliminate any threat to civilian life or property.

An official Army statement said, “The proactive measures reflect our continued commitment to the safety of civilians and restoring normalcy in conflict-prone regions.”

The devastating shelling, which was part of intense military exchanges following India’s Operation Sindoor in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, caused significant damage across the border areas. In response to the civilian toll, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah announced Rs 10 lac in ex gratia for the families of those killed.

Tensions eased on May 10 after both India and Pakistan reached a bilateral understanding to halt all military action along the Line of Control. The Army clarified that the ceasefire understanding is open-ended and does not have an expiry date, giving hope for continued peace in the border areas.