JAMMU, May 31: An old mortar shell was safely defused on Sunday after being recovered from a temple well in a border village of Samba district in Jammu and Kashmir. The incident caused no damage or injuries.
The Chenab Times has learned that locals in Gadwal village, situated in the Ramgarh border area, discovered the aged shell in the temple well on Saturday. Promptly acting on the information, local police, accompanied by a bomb disposal squad, arrived at the scene. The team successfully neutralized the explosive device.
Initial assessments by officials suggest the mortar shell is a relic from approximately 30 to 35 years ago and had likely been submerged in the well for an extended period. The recovery and subsequent defusal operation were conducted without any untoward incidents, highlighting the swift response of the authorities in managing potentially hazardous situations in border regions.
Samba district, bordering Pakistan, frequently sees security forces on high alert due to its strategic location. Recoveries of old ammunition, often remnants of past conflicts or unexploded ordnance, are not uncommon in such areas. These discoveries underscore the persistent legacy of historical events and the ongoing efforts by security personnel to maintain public safety.
The routine functioning of life in border villages can be periodically disrupted by such finds. The cooperation between local communities and law enforcement agencies is crucial in ensuring that these potentially dangerous items are reported and handled with the necessary expertise. The authorities have consistently advised residents in border areas to report any suspicious objects to the police immediately, rather than attempting to handle them themselves.
This incident in Gadwal village serves as a reminder of the lingering security challenges in the region. The meticulous work of the bomb disposal squad prevented any potential harm, reinforcing the importance of their specialized training and equipment. The recovered shell is expected to be further examined to ascertain its exact origin and historical context, although preliminary indications point to its age and likely presence since the late 1980s or early 1990s.
The seamless coordination between the local administration, police, and the bomb disposal unit ensured that a potentially perilous situation was resolved efficiently and safely. The incident concluded without any loss of life or property, a testament to the effective emergency response mechanisms in place in the Samba district.
❤️ Support Independent Journalism
Your contribution keeps our reporting free, fearless, and accessible to everyone.
Or make a one-time donation
Secure via Razorpay • 12 monthly payments • Cancel anytime before next cycle
(We don't allow anyone to copy content. For Copyright or Use of Content related questions, visit here.)
The Chenab Times News Desk
