Fire triggers mine blasts on Mendhar LoC
Fire triggers mine blasts on Mendhar LoC
05 June 2014
published by www.kashmirtimes.in
India — At-least 15-20 land mines exploded in a devastating forest fire that broke out in the forward area of Mankot sector in Mendhar tehsil of Poonch district, today.
Official reports said that fire broke out in the forests along LoC in the evening and it spread the area within minutes. Troops of Mahar regiment tried to douse the blaze but it continued to spread along LoC. At-least 15-20 land mines exploded in the blaze and equipments installed at the LoC including Night Vision Devices (NVDs) were damaged. The deafening sounds of land mine explosions were heard from far off places.
Reports claimed that the fire spread along five Indian forward Posts Chajja, Maan, Roshni, Gun Hill and Old Gun Hill. Panic struck among the villagers living in this forward area while army alongwith the teams of forest departments were on job to control the blaze.
The sky rocketing flames of the forest fire were seen from Mendhar town with dense some billowing out.
As the area is covered with dense jungle with tough terrains, the fire tender and water tankers failed to reach the area.
Forest produce worth lakhs of rupees was also gutted in the blaze.
