A powerful IED blast in a forested area in a village in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir along Line of Control in Mendhar sector of Poonch district has triggered security alert on Indian side.
According to Express News Service, explosion reported Monday evening prompted authorities on Indian side to issue high alert. While cause of blast unknown, sources in PoK said it was suspected to have been caused by an IED. The area is opposite Krishna Ghati sector, known for infiltration attempts.
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Sources said PoK village is located close to LoC where terror launch pads are suspected to have shifted after Indian Army's surgical strikes and Balakot. The blast, which was heard on Indian side, killed cattle and destroyed a shed. No human casualty reported from Indian side, but alert sounded.
Security officials on Indian side said they have increased surveillance. "The State prompted the investigation along the LoC, the cause of which would soon be ascertained if there was any possible securi breach," said officer.
In a separate development, a drone was detected and two suspects detained, security personnel spotted during track construction, according to sources. The movement triggered during track construction and destroyed by experts in a controlled explosion.
For India, blast in PoK village near LoC is significant for two reasons. First, it suggests terrorists may be handling explosives close to LoC, possibly for infiltration or BAT action. Second, it shows PoK's own villages are becoming unsafe due to terror infrastructure.
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This comes at a time when J&K has seen relative calm after abrogation of Article 370, but infiltration attempts continue. Mendhar, Balakot and Krishna Ghati have been traditional routes.
The security establishment will watch if this is isolated accident during IED-making or part of larger shift of terror camps closer to LoC to reduce distance for infiltrators.
Either way, a blast that kills animals on other side puts Indian troops on alert on this side.
Tags: #PoK #LoC #IEDBlast #Mendhar #Poonch #SecurityAlert #Infiltration #KrishnaGhati #IndianArmy #JammuKashmir