The Indian Army, in close coordination with the Jammu and Kashmir Police, successfully neutralized 42 unexploded shells in the border district of Poonch on Sunday, May 18, 2025. This operation was crucial for ensuring the safety and security of local residents living in the vulnerable border areas.

The controlled operation was carried out in the border areas of Jhullas, Salotri, Dharati, and Salani. These unexploded shells were remnants of recent cross-border shelling from Pakistan. According to a statement issued by Defence Public Relations Officer, Lt Colonel Suneel Bartwal, these shells posed a significant threat to the lives and safety of the local population.

The bomb disposal teams from the Indian Army and the J&K Police executed the task with precision, adhering to stringent safety protocols to prevent any risk to civilian life or property. The Army has launched a comprehensive clearance operation across the border districts and has defused over 80 unexploded shells in the past five days. This includes 6 in Pargwal, 19 in Rajouri, and 12 along the International Border (IB), in addition to the 42 in Poonch.

The recent cross-border shelling had claimed the lives of 12 civilians and left 42 injured, causing significant damage across the border areas. The shelling followed intense military exchanges, including India's Operation Sindoor in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. In response to the civilian casualties, the Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, had announced an ex gratia of Rs 10 lac for the families of those killed.

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

The proactive measures taken by the Indian Army reflect its continued commitment to safeguarding civilian populations in conflict-prone regions and restoring normalcy in these areas. This includes not only Poonch but also neighboring districts of Rajouri and Jammu, as well as Baramulla and Kupwara in the Kashmir Valley.

Meanwhile, Jammu Divisional Commissioner Ramesh Kumar visited the Mendhar subdivision to assess the situation in areas affected by the cross-border shelling. He assured swift relief and compensation measures for the affected residents. Kumar, accompanied by Poonch Deputy Commissioner Vikas Kundal and other senior district administration officers, inspected several affected locations and interacted with the residents. He also visited the family of a woman who lost her life due to the shelling.