RAJOURI/ SAMBA, June 8, 2026 : Security forces successfully defused three mortar shells recovered from separate locations along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri district on Monday, preventing any potential threat to local residents and ensuring the safety of the area.
According to officials, two mortar shells were discovered in the Jhanghar forest area, while another shell was found abandoned at a secluded spot in Makri village of Nowshera sector during the morning hours.
Following the discovery, the Army’s Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS) was immediately deployed to the locations. After securing the area, the team safely defused all three mortar shells in accordance with standard operating procedures, eliminating any risk to civilians and security personnel.
Officials said the shells are believed to be remnants of past cross-border shelling incidents, though further assessment is underway to determine their origin and condition.
In a separate development, police recovered an aeroplane-shaped balloon bearing the logo of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) from Dhaki Nala near the International Border (IB) in Samba district.
The white-and-green coloured balloon was first spotted by local villagers, who informed the authorities. A police team subsequently reached the site and seized the balloon for examination.
Officials noted that balloons carrying markings from across the border frequently drift into Indian territory due to wind currents and are periodically recovered from villages situated along the border belt of Jammu and Kashmir.
Security agencies continue to maintain heightened vigilance along the LoC and International Border to ensure public safety and promptly respond to any suspicious objects or activities reported from border areas.
The swift action by the Army and police once again highlights the preparedness of security forces in dealing with potential threats and maintaining peace and security in sensitive border regions.
