Explosive clearance operations underway in Kupwara, Baramulla
Srinagar, May 12: In the wake of recent cross-border hostilities, joint teams of Police and security forces have launched extensive explosive clearance operations in several forward villages of north Kashmir’s Baramulla and Kupwara districts.
The operations come after days of intense Pakistani shelling, drone intrusions, and ceasefire violations along the Line of Control (LoC), particularly in the Uri and Tangdhar sectors. Senior Superintendent of Police, Baramulla, Gurinderpal Singh told Greater Kashmir that clearance operations are currently ongoing in multiple areas. “So far, we have cleared eight villages of unexploded shells in the Uri Sector,” he said. “Four Bomb Disposal Squads (BDS) from Police, Army, BSF, and CRPF are actively engaged,”
SSP said that nine more villages remain to be swept. “ How long it will take depends on the weather and nature of unexploded shells,” he said. In neighbouring Kupwara, similar efforts are underway. Senior Superintendent of Police, Ghulam Jeelani, said the focus areas include Tangdhar, Keran, and Machil sectors. “Wherever violations occurred, joint teams have been deployed to neutralise unexploded ordnance,” he said. “We are trying to complete the task in the minimum possible time.” The operations followed pause in military action along the LoC, which began Saturday evening. Despite the lull in firing, officials warned that unexploded shells left behind pose a lethal risk to civilians. Specialised teams have issued strong advisories against premature returns to homes in affected areas.
“These remnants of conflict can detonate with minimal disturbance and are extremely dangerous,” police had said in a public safety statement. “Evacuated residents must not return until the areas are officially declared safe.” Weather conditions and the extent of contamination may delay the full clearance. Police have cautioned that unauthorized movement into restricted zones may invite legal action. “Public safety remains our highest priority,” they added.
District administrations have set up temporary relief camps, providing food, medical assistance, and other essentials. In Baramulla district alone, people were displaced from villages such as Salamabad, Lagama, Razarwani, Gingal, and Banday. On Monday, return to normalcy was observed in Uri town, with shops reopening and residents attempting to resume daily routines “We are thankful for the ceasefire, but we need assurance of safety before we return,” said a resident from Salamabad.
