On Thursday, the Indian Army successfully defused an old, unexploded mortar shell that was discovered by villagers in an agricultural field in Kussalian village, located in the Poonch district near the Line of Control (LoC). The shell, believed to be a remnant of past cross-border shelling, was found while farmers were harvesting maize.
Discovery and Response
Villagers noticed the mortar shell partially buried in the soil and immediately alerted local authorities. A team from the Indian Army’s bomb disposal unit was dispatched to the scene. The area was cordoned off to ensure public safety, and the shell was examined before being defused in a controlled operation.
According to an official statement, the mortar shell was old and corroded, indicating it had been in the field for an extended period. The Army’s quick response prevented any potential harm to the villagers or damage to property.
Impact and Safety Measures
The incident highlights the ongoing risk posed by unexploded ordnance (UXO) in border regions like Poonch, which has experienced intermittent shelling and conflict. Local residents have been advised to report any suspicious objects immediately and avoid handling them. The Army has conducted similar defusal operations in the past, underscoring the persistent danger of leftover munitions.
No injuries or casualties were reported, and the operation was completed by late morning. The shell was safely disposed of in a designated area away from habitation.
