Forest Fire Triggers Several Mine Blasts Along LoC In J-K's Poonch

A forest fire triggered at least half a dozen mine blasts along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district on Tuesday, officials said. The fire broke out in Balakote sector and spread to various areas, they said. As a result of the fire, several mines exploded, triggering panic among the residents, the officials said. The fire was brought under control by Army and forest personnel within a few hours, they said.

No damage has been reported so far and officials are trying to ascertain the cause of the fire.

Meanwhile, Pakistan violated ceasefire by resorting to firing and shelling on forward posts and villages along the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch and Rajouri districts of Jammu and Kashmir, a defence spokesman said.

The firing and shelling from across the border started in Mendhar sector of Poonch and Lam in Nowshera sector of Rajouri in the afternoon, prompting befitting retaliating by the Indian Army, he said.

The spokesman said Pakistan resorted to unprovoked ceasefire violation in Mendhar sector from 12.30 pm to 1.15 pm, but there was no report of any casualty on the Indian side.

In Lam area of Nowshera, Pakistani troops resorted to small arms firing and mortar shelling around noon, he said, adding the Indian army retaliated befittingly.

The cross-border shelling in the sector was going on when last reports were received, the spokesman said.