In the wake of recent cross-border shelling by Pakistan, the Jammu and Kashmir Police are advising residents of border villages who have been evacuated to safer locations to delay their return home. Authorities are emphasizing that these areas need to be thoroughly sanitized and cleared of any unexploded ordnance before it is safe for civilians to return.
The advisory highlights the dangers of unexplored munitions that remain scattered after the shelling, posing a significant risk to human life. Bomb disposal squads are being dispatched to the affected areas to conduct the necessary sanitization and clearance operations.
The J&K Police advisory stated that lives are at risk due to the presence of unexplored munitions. A stark reminder of this danger is the fact that in 2023 alone, 41 lives were lost in explosions involving leftover shells near the Line of Control (LoC). This statistic underscores the critical importance of allowing the authorities to complete their clearance operations before residents return to their villages.
More than 125,000 residents of villages close to the Line of Control in the Baramulla, Bandipora, and Kupwara districts were evacuated to safer places due to the high risk of being targeted by Pakistani shelling.
Amidst the ongoing tensions, India and Pakistan reached an understanding on Saturday to cease all firing and military actions on land, air, and sea. However, New Delhi has since accused Islamabad of breaching this agreement.
The recent escalation in hostilities followed India's response to a terror attack in Pahalgam, where the Indian military launched Operation Sindoor, targeting terror infrastructures in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh affirmed that India's military displayed courage and restraint while responding fittingly to Pakistan by attacking several of its military bases. He stated that Operation Sindoor demonstrated India's strong will against terrorism.
Given the volatile security situation, various District Administrations have issued guidelines for residents to ensure their safety during shelling. These guidelines include seeking shelter on the ground floor of buildings to reduce exposure to direct hits and using sandbags or soil bags on rooftops and long walls to absorb the impact of shell fragments. It is also advised to stay away from windows and doors to avoid injuries from shattered glass.
Travel advisories from various countries recommend avoiding all travel to the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, citing the unpredictable security situation and the threat of terrorism, militancy, civil unrest, and kidnapping. These advisories also highlight the risk of landmines and unexploded ordnance in areas within 10 km of the border with Pakistan.
In light of the prevailing circumstances, the J&K Police are urging border village residents to prioritize their safety and cooperate with the authorities. By staying in safer locations until clearance operations are complete, residents can help prevent further loss of life and ensure a secure return to their homes.
