Avoid return to frontline villages due to unexploded shells: Police

SRINAGAR — With people in the border areas starting to move towards their homes after the India-Pakistan ceasefire, Jammu and Kashmir Police on Sunday issued an advisory asking them not to return to the villages as there are dangerous or unexploded ordnance due to the recent shelling.

The police said clearing operations will take a few days, depending on weather conditions and the extent of contamination. “Official announcements regarding safe return will be communicated by the district administration through various means. We understand the hardship and inconvenience this situation has caused, and we thank you for your cooperation and patience during this challenging time. Your safety remains our highest priority.”

In its “critical safety notice”, the police asked “all citizens evacuated from frontline villages due to recent cross-border shelling to refrain from returning to your homes until official clearance is provided.”

The police said that the recent cross-border hostilities have resulted in numerous damaged structures along the Line of Control and have tragically injured or killed many. “More critically, the shelling has left numerous unexploded munitions scattered throughout private and public areas, presenting severe and life-threatening hazards to returning civilians,” it said.

The police said that J&K Police’s specialized bomb disposal squad is actively conducting comprehensive sweeping operations to identify and safely neutralize all unexploded ordnance. “These dangerous devices can remain active for extended periods and may detonate with minimal disturbance, posing extreme danger to untrained individuals.”

The police said that temporary shelter facilities have been established by district administration across the district with essential supplies and medical assistance. The police asked people to remain at these facilities until further notice.

“Under current security provisions, unauthorized return to restricted areas is prohibited and may result in legal consequences. These measures exist solely for your protection. Security checkpoints have been established to prevent accidental entry into unsafe zones,” the police said.

The police gave safety instructions, saying if anyone encounters unexploded ordnances, they shouldn’t touch, mark the location, or attempt to move any suspicious object, regardless of how harmless it may appear.

“Contact emergency services at 112 with precise location details. Warn others in the vicinity to keep a safe distance of at least 100 meters,” the police notice said.