Landmines started exploding near LoC…fire spread from Balakot to Mendhar, a big challenge for the army

Srinagar:The massive forest fire that broke out near the Line of Control (LoC) with Pakistan in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir has increased the concern of the security forces. Due to this fire which has been burning for the last two days, there are continuous explosions in the landmines laid in the border area. So far, about a dozen landmines have been reported to have exploded, due to which there is an atmosphere of tension and alertness in the entire border area.

Fire started from Balakot and spread to Mendhar

According to officials, this fire broke out in the forests of Basuni Forward area of ​​Balakot sector on Monday. Due to strong wind and dry weather, the fire spread rapidly and by Tuesday it had engulfed a large part of Mendhar sector. The situation has become more serious due to the spread of fire in the dense forests near the Line of Control, because the Army has laid landmines in these areas to prevent infiltration.

Problems increased due to landmine blasts

Due to the fire, landmines are bursting one after the other. Not only the security forces have to remain alert due to the sound of explosions, but the people living in the border villages are also in panic. However, it is a matter of relief that no casualties have been reported so far. Despite this, continuous explosions remain a big challenge in terms of security.

Tight security on 700 km long border

There is about 700 kilometers long fence on the Line of Control between India and Pakistan. To protect this fence, landmines have been laid in many sensitive areas. Apart from this, modern sensors, monitoring equipment and electronic systems have also been installed, so that any kind of intrusion can be stopped in time. But forest fires and landmine explosions have temporarily affected this security system.

Dry weather increases incidents of forest fire

Due to prolonged lack of rain and dry conditions in Jammu and Kashmir, incidents of forest fires are increasing. Such fires have become common during hot and dry weather, especially in Rajouri and Poonch districts of the Pir Panjal range. Dry leaves and grass help the fire spread quickly, making the situation difficult to control.

Dual challenge of extinguishing fire and maintaining safety

Army and forest department teams are trying to control the fire. On the other hand, surveillance and patrolling on the LoC has been strengthened to ensure that no one can take advantage of the possible security gap created by landmine explosions. This is the second time in the last one week that landmines have exploded due to fire in Poonch district. Similar incidents have come to light before also.