Unexploded shells on roads leading to affected villages defused

Srinagar, Aug 19 (UNI) About 3000 unexploded shells and fuses have been detected and defused by the Bomb Disposal Squads (BDS) on the roads leading to Khandroo and other adjacent villages, a defence ministry spokesman said.

However, he warned villagers not to enter the area without permission and not to touch any object, as one member of a BDS has already died and two injured while defusing a shell.

Twenty-one people, including an Army Major and 15 firefighters were killed and 30 wounded in a devastating fire and subsequent explosions causing 40 per cent damage to 21 Field Ordnance Depot at Khandroo on August 11.

He said specialist officers and members of the Bomb disposal teams from within and outside the Northern Command have arrived.

A senior officer said yesterday that about 400 experts are working on war footing to clear the unexploded shells and other bombs from the affected villages. However, he said it will take another week or two to allow people to return to their homes.

Roads from adjoining area leading to Khandroo are now clear of ammunition debris, permitting smooth movement of essential traffic to and from the affected area.

He said the villages of Achhabal, Traphu, Nagdandi, Jogikund, Kuther and Senghas have been cleared, while operation to clear the shells from Sambaran, Pahlu Naugam and Khandroo was in progress and these villages would be cleared shortly.

A total of over 1000 shells and 2000 fuses have been cleared from the area, he said. He said this hazardous work has been rendered more difficult by the fact that shells are on top of trees and buildings. There has been an instance of innocent civilians inadvertently initiating an unexploded shell, leading to injuries and hence they are especially cautioned.

Areas of undergrowth and foliage must be avoided as they may harbour these devices, he cautioned, requesting to immediate intimation to Army authorities in case any bomblet is found.

UNI