Early Times Report
Poonch, Dec 13: Massive fire engulfed forest area along the Line of Control (LoC) in Balakote sector causing death of cattle and mine blasts here in Poonch district. The fire is suspected to have been lit by agents from the other side for militant infiltration.
A senior army official said that the fire initially started from across the LoC and then spread into this side. He blamed Pakistan army for the fire.
“The Pakistan army deliberately put bushes on their side on fire in order to clear track for the militants to infiltrate.
They have done this again,” A senior army official said.
The official said the fire has engulfed upto two kilometer area and has not been controlled yet. He said as a result of fire, dozens of cattle have died. “Besides, there are mine blasts, damage to wires and black smoke is rising from the trees and wire,” he said.
The Sub-District Magistrate (SDM), Mendhar, Ramesh Kumar, said that he has directed forest officials to assist in dousing the fire. “The troopers are alert and are keeping eye on the LoC. We won’t allow militants to take advantage of the situation,” the army official added. |
