Forest fire triggers landmine blasts along LoC in J&K’s Poonch

 A forest fire along the Line of Control in Poonch’s Balakote area triggered at least six landmine explosions on Sunday. No damage was reported, and firefighting efforts continue in the heavily mined anti-infiltration zone near the zero line 

Jammu: At least half-a-dozen landmines exploded due to a forest fire along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district on Sunday, officials said.

The fire broke out in the Balakote forest along the zero line around 10 am, detonating about six landmines in the anti-infiltration obstacle system, the officials said.

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There was no report of any damage in the explosions, they said.

The forward areas along the LoC are dotted with landmines as part of an anti-infiltration obstacle system to prevent terrorists from intruding into this side from across the border.

The fire was still raging and efforts were on to douse the flames, the officials said.