J&K: Accidental Landmine Blast in Rajouri Leaves 4 Soldiers Injured
The blast was caused by accidental activation of a landmine during area domination patrol by Army personnel in forward Kalal area of Nowshera sector, the officials said.
SRINAGAR: One Junior Commissioned Officer and three jawans were injured on Tuesday in an accidental blast near the Line of Control (LoC) in the Nowshera sector of Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri district, officials said.
According to officials, the explosion took place while Army personnel were carrying out a routine patrol in the Kalal forward area along the LoC. The injured personnel from a unit associated with the Kumaon Regiment were immediately evacuated from the site and shifted to a medical facility, where they are undergoing treatment.
The blast is being described as accidental in nature. Initial reports suggest that the incident occurred during an area domination and surveillance operational patrol in an area where troops regularly maintain vigil against infiltration attempts. There was no immediate indication of enemy action or foul play. Officials said the exact cause of the explosion would be established after a detailed assessment.
Forward areas along the LoC remain highly sensitive, marked by difficult terrain, heightened security deployment and the presence of explosive hazards associated with operational conditions. Accidental activation of landmines laid as part of anti-infiltration measures near the de facto border is not uncommon. At times, heavy rain or shifting soil can displace these mines, leaving soldiers vulnerable to unexpected accidents. One report said Tuesday’s blast was caused by a Multi-Mode Grenade that exploded during the patrol.
The Army has initiated the necessary procedures following the incident, while further details are awaited from official sources.
In a similar incident on June 9, two Army personnel died after sustaining critical injuries in an accidental explosion near the LoC in the Kamalkote area of Uri in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district.
Officials said the blast occurred in a forward area along the LoC under accidental circumstances, prompting an immediate emergency response by the Army.
According to Army sources, the soldiers suffered grievous injuries in the explosion and were swiftly evacuated to the Army’s 92 Base Hospital in Srinagar for advanced medical treatment. Despite efforts by medical personnel, both jawans later succumbed to their injuries.
The deceased soldiers were identified as Vikram Balakrishna Chavan, a resident of Airoli in Maharashtra, and Arjun Rajindra Jadhav, who hailed from Shahpur village in Karad tehsil of Satara district, Maharashtra.
