Landmine blasts at LoC in J&K, triggered by forest fire; Indian Army helping douse it

In a concerning incident, several landmine explosions occurred along the Line of Control (LoC) between India and Pakistan. The landmines at LoC were triggered by a forest fire in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch on May 18.

The fire started on the Pakistan-controlled side of the LoC and then spread to the Indian side in the Mendhar sector. Nearly half a dozen landmines which were part of the anti-infiltration obstacle system exploded, according to officials.

The fire has reportedly been raging for 3 days, and the Indian Army is helping local authorities in trying to douse it. Meanwhile, another fire broke out in Rajouri district near the border.

Fires were also reported from agricultural fields along the International Border (IB) in Jammu.