Four people were killed in a landmine explosion in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), near the Line of Control (LoC) adjoining Jammu’s Poonch sector. The incident reportedly occurred when the victims were laying water pipes in a field in Mahandala village of Hajira tehsil in PoK’s Poonch district.
According to media reports, the explosion took place between 5 pm and 5:30 pm. The four men reportedly came into contact with an explosive device while carrying out the work.
Initial reports suggest that the landmine may have been laid as part of the anti-infiltration grid along the LoC. However, the circumstances surrounding the explosion have not been independently confirmed.
Four Victims Identified
The deceased have been identified as Faizan Sagir, Ishtiaq, Waqas and Aseem. According to reports, the four men were cousins.
Faizan Sagir was also described in reports as being associated with the Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF).
The incident has raised concerns about the risks posed by landmines and unexploded explosives in areas close to the Line of Control, where security measures remain stringent.
Security Alert Along the LoC
Following the explosion, security forces reportedly heightened vigilance across the sector to prevent possible infiltration and monitor the border area.
In a separate incident on Monday, Indian Army personnel recovered two landmines near the border fence in the Basooni area of the Mendhar sector in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district.
Officials said the explosives were spotted during track construction work at around 8:25 am and 12:10 pm. Army specialists subsequently neutralised the devices through controlled explosions.
The two incidents have drawn attention to the continuing security challenges in the border areas of Poonch, where landmines and other explosive devices pose risks to both civilians and security personnel.