On May 20, 2025, the Indian Army’s bomb disposal squad successfully destroyed a live Pakistani artillery shell discovered near a roadside in Dara Bagyal, a border village in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district. The shell was reportedly placed on the roadside, posing a significant threat to local residents, especially those walking along the path. The timely intervention by the Army ensured the safety of the community .

Local residents expressed relief and gratitude following the operation. One villager, Mohammad Mashuk, commended the Army’s efforts, stating that the threat had been averted and highlighting the Army’s “tremendous” work in neutralizing such hazards .

This incident underscores the ongoing challenges faced by border communities in Jammu and Kashmir, where remnants of cross-border shelling continue to pose risks to civilian safety. In recent operations, the Indian Army and Jammu & Kashmir Police have neutralized over 80 unexploded shells across various border districts, including 42 in Poonch, as part of a broader clearance effort.

Sources