Blast that killed four in PoK village near LoC triggers security alert

A powerful explosion in a village near the Line of Control (LoC) in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir resulted in the deaths of four residents on Monday evening. Sources attribute the blast, suspected to be caused by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED), to the villagers themselves who were reportedly laying water pipes along the Pakistani side of the LoC when the device detonated.

The victims identified as Faizan Sagheer, Waqas Sharief, Ishtiaq, and Asim Rafiq were all residents of Battal Mandhol village in PoK's Hajira tehsil. The Indian security forces have since increased vigilance along the LoC to prevent any potential security breach. Additionally, Indian Army troops discovered two rusted landmines near the border fence in Mendhar sector's Basoni area during track construction.

The explosive devices were subsequently destroyed in a controlled explosion. The forward areas along the LoK are known to be littered with anti-infiltration landmines, but heavy rainfall often exposes them, posing a potential risk.