Mortar Shell Destroyed in Rajouri; Narcotics Seized in Separate Highway Operation
Security forces averted a potential disaster in Rajouri by neutralising a live mortar shell, while three suspected narco smugglers were arrested in a separate operation in Jammu.

Key Highlights:
Security forces on Monday successfully neutralised a high explosive mortar shell discovered in the Manyal village of Thanamandi area in Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir, averting a potential disaster in the region.
According to official sources, the mortar shell was discovered during a routine sweep of the area. The bomb disposal squad was quickly mobilised and carried out a controlled detonation of the device, ensuring the safety of civilians and property in the vicinity.
Rajouri Explosive Shell Discovery Raises Security Concerns
This latest incident in Rajouri explosive shell operations underscores ongoing security threats in border districts of Jammu and Kashmir. Officials have not ruled out the possibility that the shell may have been left behind from a previous militant-related activity or cross-border incident.
- The shell was described as “highly volatile” and required precision handling.
- The controlled detonation was carried out with standard protocol and perimeter safety in place.
- No injuries or damages were reported in the process.
This comes amid heightened vigilance across the Union Territory, especially in regions with previous records of infiltration and illegal arms recovery.
Heroin Seizure on Jammu-Srinagar Highway Highlights Parallel Threat
In a separate development, Jammu and Kashmir Police apprehended three alleged narcotics smugglers on April 20 and seized 22 grams of a heroin-like substance during a routine vehicle check at Phalata naka point on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway.
The suspects were travelling from Jammu to Udhampur when their vehicle was stopped and searched. The operation, part of routine highway monitoring, resulted in a significant drug seizure and arrests.
Arrested Smugglers Identified Under NDPS Act Provisions
The individuals arrested have been identified as:
- Ishfaq Ahmed, a resident of Srinagar
- Farooq, resident of Delhi
- Mohd Kamal Hussain, also from Delhi
A case has been registered at Police Station Rehambal under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, specifically under Sections 8, 21, 22, and 29, which deal with possession, trafficking, and conspiracy in relation to banned substances.
The police are currently investigating the broader smuggling network and have not ruled out links to inter-state or cross-border narcotics trafficking syndicates.
What This Means for You
The successful destruction of the Rajouri explosive shell is a timely reminder of the vigilance maintained by security forces in Jammu and Kashmir. It also indicates that despite ongoing development efforts, the region remains vulnerable to militant leftovers and the influence of narcotics operations.
Citizens are urged to:
- Stay alert and report suspicious activities.
- Cooperate with routine security checks.
- Be aware of the signs of narcotics abuse in their communities.
Meanwhile, security forces and law enforcement agencies continue coordinated efforts to eliminate both explosive threats and the narcotics trade from the region.
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