Indian Army Army personnel at the site where mortar shells (inset) were found

The presence of unexploded live shells near the homes of the people have created an atmosphere of fear

At least nine unexploded mortar shells fired by Pakistani troops on civilian areas in the villages of Balakot area of Poonch district were defused by army officials on Thursday. During the last two days, heavy firing by Pakistani troops in Balakot sector of Mendhar subdivision led to several live shelling in fields and other areas in Basuni, Sindot and Balakot.

The presence of unexploded live shells near the homes of the people have created an atmosphere of fear.

Pakistan’s dastardly handiwork of continuous cross-border firing has been dealt with resilience by the Army. Pakistan targeted residential areas in which 120 mm mortars were fired, soon to be defused by the Army ensuring no harm to life and property.

On September 15, the Army had also received a 120 mm live mortar near the Line of Control in Poonch, which was subsequently destroyed.

A local said, “The nine bombs were diffused by the army. We live nearby and so our lives are always in great danger.