Mopping operations around gutted Kashmir arms depot continue

The army has started a major operation to clear up the gutted arms depot of hundreds of hazardous rockets, artillery shells and bombs in Khundroo village.

Anantnag (J and K), Aug 18 : The army has started a major operation to clear up the gutted arms depot of hundreds of hazardous rockets, artillery shells and bombs in Khundroo village.

Seventeen people, including soldiers and civilian firefighters have lost their lives since the fire broke out last Saturday, triggering massive explosions that sent shells and shrapnel falling on nearby villages.

The fire and subsequent blast resulted in the spread of a large stockpile of arsenal across Khundroo village and surrounding areas.

One soldier died during the mopping up operations on Friday.

"It is a very risky work and requires deliberate work....but I want to give you all reassurances that notwithstanding casualty and notwithstanding the hazards involved, our teams will continue to work with utmost dedication and commitment so that we ensure that all the area is cleared at the earliest and the people return to their homes," said Major General H.S. Handa Chief Of Staff of the Indian Army's 15 Corps.

Around 500 army personnel, paramilitary forces, and a member of bomb disposal squads have been pushed into service to sanitize the affected areas.

Vignesh Mohanty, heading the special task force team formed, says several live bombs were a hazard, not only for the search parties but also for civilians in the area.

"Some shells with fuses attached to them and dangerous. I want to say that the bomb itself is not as dangerous, but the fuse that activates it. Since the fuse is small, they are spread across the area. Large shells can be found easily, but small fuses are difficult to find," said Vignesh Mohanty.

Hundreds of locals have taken shelter in makeshift relief camps, set up by the civil administration and the Army.

The army had earlier denied claims of Kashmiri militant groups involved in the incident.

ANI