Parts of a guided missile, drone components and shell fragments were recovered from Kangra and Una districts, officials said adding that at least three explosions were heard in the intervening night of Friday and Saturday.
The recoveries came amid a military standoff between India and Pakistan in which the neighbouring country tried to target military and other installations with drones and other projectiles. The two countries have since agreed to a ceasefire, with Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri announcing that the directors general of military operations of India and Pakistan had decided to stop all firings and military action on land, air and sea with effect from 5 pm on Saturday.
Meanwhile, as per a police statement, splinters and components of guided missiles were found at the blast sites in Damtal area of Kangra’s Nurpur. While there was no human casualty, two cows were found killed while bushes near the blast sites were charred, electrical wiring damaged and at least three eucalyptus trees fell.
According to the police, the explosions were heard around 12 midnight at Damtal. A Quick Response Team (QRT) was dispatched to the site, a police spokesperson said.
“During preliminary investigation, splinters and components of guided missiles were found at the blast site, as confirmed by defence personnel. The explosions resulted in the death of two cows. Technical teams from the Army and other agencies are working to determine the exact cause and origin of the explosions,” the spokesperson said.
The site was inspected by the Superintendent of Police, Nurpur; Sub-Divisional Police Officer, Indora; and SHO, Damtal, in coordination with personnel from the Army and Air Force.
Separately, shell fragments and parts suspected to be that of a drone were found at Behar-Bhattehad panchayat near the Chintpurni temple in Una district, which shares boundary with Punjab’s Pathankot. Police said, around 1:35 am Saturday, a loud explosion was reported from the forest area when the blackout was in effect. The explosion was heard from Behar-Bhattehad panchayat, located around 10 km from the Chintpurni temple, police said.
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Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri visited the Behar-Bhattehad panchayat and interacted with locals.
© The Indian Express Pvt Ltd
