Two Indian Soldiers Injured in Landmine Incident Near LoC in Uri, Jammu and Kashmir
On Tuesday, two personnel from the Indian Army sustained injuries due to a landmine explosion near the Line of Control (LoC) in the Uri sector of north Kashmir's Baramulla district. The incident occurred near the Upper Garh Forward Post in the Kamalkote sub-sector, where the 8 Rashtriya Rifles (RR), under the 12 Infantry Brigade, were conducting routine operational activities.
Officials reported that the explosion happened during a standard patrol close to the LoC. Following the incident, fellow soldiers swiftly evacuated the injured, who were then airlifted to the Army's Base Hospital in Badamibagh, Srinagar, for specialized medical care. Both soldiers are stable and receiving necessary treatment.
The injured were identified as Havildar Vijay Kumar and Naik Sharanapa Angari, members of the 8 Rashtriya Rifles, a key counter-insurgency unit in Jammu and Kashmir. This unit plays a crucial role in securing the Line of Control and engaging in operations to maintain regional security.
The reasons behind the explosion are currently under investigation. Initial evaluations suggest that an old anti-personnel landmine might have been unintentionally triggered during the patrol. However, a definitive cause will be determined upon the conclusion of the ongoing inquiry.
Military officials highlighted that the risk of such incidents increases during the monsoon season due to heavy rain and soil erosion along the LoC's mountainous areas. Continuous rainfall, water runoff, and landslides often displace landmines from their marked spots, potentially moving them to previously safe locations. This natural shift poses significant risks for security personnel and civilians living near the border.
The LoC, traversing challenging mountainous terrain, has several areas with minefields historically used to prevent infiltration attempts. Despite regular upkeep and minefield mapping, environmental factors such as erosion and soil displacement can alter mine positions, necessitating ongoing sanitization and surveillance efforts.
Following the explosion, the Indian Army initiated an area sanitization and search operation at the incident site. Bomb disposal and engineering teams were dispatched to examine the area, identify any additional explosives, and ensure the safety of nearby operating troops. This operation aims to confirm the absence of further displaced landmines or unexploded ordnance that could endanger personnel.
The Indian Army routinely conducts minefield monitoring, route clearance, and engineering tasks along the LoC to mitigate risks from legacy minefields while maintaining operational readiness. Troops in these sensitive areas are trained to handle challenging conditions, including terrain, weather, and hidden explosive threats.
Accidental landmine explosions remain an operational concern in some LoC sectors, particularly during the rainy season when natural factors can change the landscape. The Army consistently reviews safety protocols and conducts periodic clearance operations to minimize risks while safeguarding the border against infiltration threats.
The quick evacuation and timely medical care by fellow soldiers ensured that the injured soldiers received specialized treatment promptly. Officials confirmed that Havildar Vijay Kumar and Naik Sharanapa Angari are stable and remain under medical observation at the Army's Base Hospital in Srinagar.
The investigation into the incident continues, as the Indian Army maintains its sanitization operations in the affected area to ensure troop safety and prevent further incidents along this sensitive LoC segment.
