4 men killed in landmine explosion near LoC in Azad Kashmir

Four men were tragically killed on Monday when a landmine detonated near the Line of Control (LoC) in the Poonch district of Azad Kashmir, according to the Directorate General of Public Relations (DGPR). The men were repairing a pipeline carrying spring water when the landmine drifted across the border from the Indian side and exploded.

All four individuals succumbed to their injuries at the scene. The DGPR statement, citing initial reports, highlighted the persistent danger posed by unexploded landmines in areas with unclear border demarcation near the LoC. These mines pose a threat to civilians and livestock. Poonch Divisional Commissioner Sardar Waheed Khan stated to Dawn that Indian Army personnel were responsible for planting the landmine.

Former AJK Prime Minister Sardar Abdul Qayyum Niazi expressed his sorrow over the incident and accused India of killing Kashmiris not only in the occupied territory but also along the LoC through the planting of improvised explosive devices and the shooting of individuals engaged in their daily routines. Niazi blamed the continued loss of lives on India's reluctance to resolve the Kashmir issue.