SRINAGAR: A civilian was killed and four others sustained injuries after an old unexploded shell detonated near Line of Control (LoC) close to the army post in Gulmarg sector in Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday. Police said a blast took place near Sumli Wali Dok near Army’s Asha Post area, close to the LoC, in Gulmarg sector in north Kashmir in the afternoon.
In the explosion, five civilians sustained injuries and they were evacuated to a nearby health facility, where one of them, identified by cops as Zubair Ahmad Bajad, was declared brought dead.
According to police, preliminary investigations suggest that an unexploded shell believed to be remnant from an earlier period, went off leading to the death of the civilian.
Immediately after the blast, the Army and policemen reached the spot and sealed the area. Forensic experts also visited the blast site to collect the samples and other evidence for detailed analysis. Police and the Army haven’t yet issued any statement about the blast.
Sources said that security officials are investigating the exact nature of the explosive device and circumstances that led to the explosion. “An investigation is going on,” they said.
Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary said that the unfortunate explosion of an unexploded shell near Gulmarg, claiming a life and injuring others is heartbreaking. “Praying for strength to the bereaved family, a speedy recovery of the injured and eternal peace to the departed soul,” he said in a post on ‘X’.
Police dispelled speculation that Army personnel sustained injuries in the blast. “No Army personnel have sustained any injuries,” police said and cautioned that dissemination of inaccurate and unverified information has the potential to cause unnecessary concern, create confusion among the people and adversely affect public order.
Citizens were advised to rely only on information issued through official channels.
The incident has raised concerns over the lingering threat posed by unexploded shells in areas close to the LoC and International Border (IB) in J&K, where remnants of past shelling occasionally remain buried for years before detonating.
The tourist destination of Gulmarg, which is known world over for skiing, has witnessed heavy influx of visitors during the summer season.
Hundreds of tourists are visiting the Gulmarg health resort daily to experience its scenic beauty and pleasant weather and enjoy the Gandola ride.
Spl DGP reviews security steps for Amarnath Yatra
J&K Special Director General of Police (Coordination) S J M Gillani on Saturday reviewed security arrangements at Bhagwati Nagar base camp and Tawi River Front here for the annual Amarnath yatra, scheduled to begin next week. Accompanied by senior officers of police and CRPF, Gillani assessed the arrangements at the key locations, police said. Gillani asked security agencies to ensure seamless and well-coordinated measures through inter-agency coordination for the, and peaceful conduct of the 57-day long yatra.
