Tuesday, December 16Latest news and updates from Kashmir

Baramulla police urges evacuated citizens to stay away from frontline villages after cross-border shelling

Shabir Khan

The District Police of Baramulla has issued an urgent public safety notice urging evacuated citizens not to return to their homes in frontline villages until further official clearance is given.

This advisory comes in the wake of recent cross-border shelling along the Line of Control (LoC), which has left several villages severely damaged and posed significant risks to returning civilians.

The shelling has not only caused widespread damage to homes and infrastructure but has also left numerous unexploded ordnances scattered across the affected areas. These unexploded devices, which can detonate with even the slightest disturbance, present life-threatening hazards to anyone returning without prior clearance. The JK Police’s specialized Bomb Disposal Squad is actively conducting operations to locate and safely neutralize these dangerous munitions, but authorities caution that the process may take several days.

As part of ongoing efforts to assist displaced citizens, temporary shelter facilities have been set up across the Baramulla district, equipped with essential supplies and medical support. Citizens are advised to remain at these designated shelters until the safety situation improves and official announcements are made. For any emergencies, residents are encouraged to contact the 24-hour helpline at 112.

The notice further emphasizes that unauthorized entry into restricted zones is strictly prohibited under current security protocols, with security checkpoints established to prevent access to unsafe areas. Individuals who disregard these restrictions may face legal consequences.

Residents are also urged to exercise extreme caution should they encounter any suspicious objects in the affected zones. Authorities advise that these devices should not be touched or moved. Instead, individuals are asked to mark the location from a safe distance and report it immediately to emergency services at 112, while warning others to maintain a safe distance of at least 100 meters.

The estimated timeline for the clearance of unexploded ordnances is a few days, depending on weather conditions and the extent of contamination. Authorities assure the public that official clearance for safe return will be communicated as soon as operations are completed.

The District Police has expressed gratitude for the cooperation and patience of the citizens during this difficult time, stressing that their safety remains the highest priority.

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