Excelsior Correspondent
POONCH, Jan 16: Dozens of mines exploded in Mankote and Balakote sub sectors near the Line of Control due to forest fire today.
Official sources said that scare was created in the forward villages early today when the fire broke out from that side of the LoC. The fire then went on spreading on this side of the LoC and the explosion of land mines started.
A larger area came under fire and the troops went on high alert. Some area of Mendhar sector was also engulfed in fire causing damage to green gold and wild life species. Thick clouds of smoke were visible from Mendhar town along the LoC. The Army was suspecting deliberate attempt of the Pakistani troops to neutralise mines and make way for armed terrorists from that side. The explosions created scare in this entire belt while troops intensified patrolling.