Kupwara Police Issue Advisory Barring Return to Frontline Villages Amid Clearance Operations

Kupwara: In response to sustained cross-border shelling and the threat posed by unexploded ordnance (UXO), the Kupwara District Police today issued an urgent public safety advisory prohibiting evacuated civilians from returning to frontline villages until further notice.

Effective immediately, all residents evacuated from frontline sectors along the Line of Control are strictly barred from re-entering these areas. Unauthorized entry into restricted zones may incur legal penalties under existing security protocols.

Continuous shelling has inflicted widespread damage on homes, infrastructure, and farmland, resulting in multiple casualties. Moreover, dozens of unexploded shells and munitions remain scattered across residential and public spaces, posing an imminent danger to life and property.

Ongoing Clearance Operations
A specialized bomb-disposal squad from the Jammu and Kashmir Police is conducting 24/7 search-and-neutralization operations in affected villages. Officials warn that these UXOs are highly volatile and can detonate with minimal disturbance, making any civilian contact extremely hazardous.

Shelter and Assistance
The Kupwara district administration has established multiple temporary shelters at Kuwada, equipped with food, medical care, and basic amenities. Displaced families are urged to remain at these sites until authorities officially deem their homes safe for habitation.

Emergency Contacts and UXO Guidelines
For immediate assistance or to report suspicious objects, residents should call the 24-hour police helpline at 112. The advisory provides the following safety instructions for UXO encounters:

1. Do Not Touch – Never approach or attempt to move suspicious objects.

2. Mark the Location – From a safe distance, mark the spot to alert others.

3. Report Immediately – Contact the police helpline with precise location details.

4. Warn Others – Ensure all bystanders maintain at least a 100-meter safe distance.

Timeline for Clearance
Authorities expect clearance operations to continue over several days, pending weather conditions and the extent of contamination. An official communication will be issued once villages are declared safe for return.

Kupwara Police thanked citizens for their patience and cooperation, reiterating that public safety remains the district’s highest priority.