Updated 16 January 2024 at 14:58 IST
Poonch: For the third consecutive day, a forest fire in the Balakote and Mendhar areas of Jammu and Kashmir has led to explosions of landmines along the Line of Control (LoC), according to reports on Tuesday. The fire, which started in a mountainous forest in Poonch district, is spreading, causing concern among local officials.
Army and forest department personnel, along with locals, are working collaboratively to bring the fire under control, reports added. The situation remains challenging as efforts continue to contain the blaze.
Earlier, an alert was issued near the Line of Control (LoC) in response to reports suggesting that Pakistan intentionally ignited a forest fire in the Balakote Sector, Poonch. The purpose, as per initial reports, was to assist terrorist infiltration into Indian territory.
This tactic, previously employed by Pakistan, aims to divert the attention of the Indian Army during infiltration attempts. Sources reveal that the Army had received intelligence indicating a substantial number of trained terrorists waiting for an opportunity to cross into India. The situation is closely monitored for potential security threats, according to reports.
Published 16 January 2024 at 14:58 IST