Baramulla, May 12 : Baramulla Police have confirmed the detection of 20 unexploded ordnances (UXOs) across 17 locations in various villages of the north Kashmir district, triggering a major safety alert. Seven of these dangerous explosives have already been safely neutralized in six villages, following which the district administration has allowed evacuees to return to their homes.
The villages cleared of the known UXOs include Kamalkote, Madhan, Gowhallan, Salamabad (Bijhama), Gangerhill, and Gawalta, officials said. However, police have warned that additional UXOs may still be present in these and other areas, posing serious threats to life and property.
“These devices are highly unstable and any attempt to touch, tamper with, or move them could lead to fatal consequences,” a police spokesperson said in a public advisory issued Monday.
The presence of unexploded shells—likely remnants of past cross-border shelling or military exercises—has alarmed both local residents and security forces. The advisory clearly outlines mandatory precautions for civilians and urges complete cooperation with law enforcement and security agencies.
Residents are strictly advised not to approach or handle any suspicious metallic object resembling an explosive device. Any such discovery should be reported immediately to Baramulla Police or the nearest security personnel. Furthermore, the public has been directed to avoid areas where such devices are reported until they are declared safe by the authorities.
“These unexploded ordnances are a critical risk, and mishandling them can cause irreversible damage. It is essential that the public remains cautious and informs authorities without delay,” the spokesperson added.
In addition to field deployments, the police have shared dedicated contact numbers for emergency reporting. People can contact PCR Baramulla: 9696767768, 9596767717 or 01952-234410.
Police have also launched a community awareness campaign urging citizens to “Observe. Report. Prevent.” as part of efforts to eliminate the lingering threat of UXOs in civilian areas.
Security forces continue to scan affected regions, and officials have called for heightened vigilance, particularly in remote and border-facing villages. [KNT]
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