New Delhi: Two Indian Army personnel sustained injuries after a landmine exploded during operational duties near the line of control (LoC) in the Uri sector of Jammu & Kashmir’s Baramulla district. The incident took place in the Kamalkote subsector, where troops remain deployed to guard the forward areas along the LoC.
The explosion took place near the Upper Garh forward post manned by 8 Rashtriya Rifles (8RR) which is under the operational control of the 12 infantry brigade. The injured personnel were evacuated from the site by the fellow soldiers, who immediately launched a rescue operation and were airlifted to the Army Hospital, at Badamibagh, Srinagar.
The injured soldiers have been identified as havildar Vijay Kumar and naik Sharanapa Angari, both serving with 8RR. Media reports said they are undergoing treatment and their condition is stable.
The cause of the blast is under investigation. Preliminary assessment suggests the explosion may have been triggered by an old anti-personnel mine while the soldiers were carrying out routine movement in the forward area.
Reports note that such incidents become more common during the monsoon season, as heavy rainfall, landslides and soil erosion can displace landmines from their original locations. Such changes can introduce unseen dangers, even in places which had been regarded as safe for the movement of troops.
After the incident, security forces conducted a search and sanitization operation in the vicinity of the blast site to detect and neutralise any further explosive devices, while ensuring the safety of personnel operating in the area.