A forest fire triggered a series of landmine explosions along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district after flames swept through forward areas where mines are planted as part of counter-infiltration measures, officials said.
The fire broke out on Monday in the Balakote and Mendhar sectors and spread rapidly due to dry conditions.
The affected areas include stretches along the LoC where the army has laid landmines to prevent infiltration. As the fire moved through the forest, multiple mines were set off, causing blasts that were heard across the region.
Authorities said there were no reports of casualties or injuries. This is the second incident in the past week in which a forest fire has triggered landmine explosions in Poonch district.
Officials said a prolonged dry spell has made several parts of Jammu and Kashmir more vulnerable to forest fires. The Pir Panjal range, which includes the border districts of Poonch and Rajouri, witnesses such incidents frequently during dry months.
Along the LoC, the army maintains a fence stretching about 700 kilometres as part of its counter-infiltration grid. In addition to landmines, the military uses electronic surveillance equipment and high-tech sensors to monitor movement in these sensitive areas.
The latest incident follows a similar episode in January last year, when large-scale forest fires caused a prolonged series of landmine blasts along the LoC. Forest fires have also posed risks beyond border areas. Last month, a forest guard lost his life while attempting to control a blaze in the Anantnag district.
Officials said efforts are ongoing to monitor fire-prone areas closely, especially in forward zones where mines are present, to reduce the risk of further explosions.