Teen killed, 2 injured as shell explodes in Kargil

The incident took place in Khurbathang area; children were fiddling with the shell on their way back home, say officials

SRINAGAR : In a tragic incident, a 13-year-old boy was killed and two others injured after an old leftover shell that they were fiddling with exploded at the Khurbathang area of Kargil district in Ladakh on Sunday.

Sharing details, Kargil deputy commissioner Santosh Sukhadeve said the incident took place in the upper reaches of the Union territory, in Khurbathang,

when three children returning from a football ground found the old shell.

“One of the boys picked it up in his hand and then dropped it when the shell suddenly exploded. Unfortunately, a boy has died and two others were injured,” the DC further added.

The deceased has been identified as 13-year-old Baqir Ali.

The two children accompanying him who sustained injuries in the incident were Ali Naqi and Muntazir Mehdi, both 12 years of age.

The official said the children were returning home through a shortcut at the time.

“Baqir Ali was brought dead to the hospital. The injured children have been admitted to the district hospital in Kargil.

Both the boys are stable,” he said.

₹4L relief announced for kin of deceased

Ladakh lieutenant governor BD Mishra announced a relief of ₹4 lakh for the bereaved family, while ₹1 lakh each was announced for the injured.

Officials said the area is believed to still have some old leftover shells from the time of the Kargil War and also served as a firing range for the army, but was de-notified in 2013.

“The area was a firing range of the army which was de-notified in 2013. People also say there are leftover shells from the 1999 Kargil war,” the DC said.

LG orders to clear area of leftover ammo

OFFICIALS SAID THE AREA MAY STILL HAVE SOME SHELLS FROM THE KARGIL WAR; IT ALSO SERVED AS A FIRING RANGE FOR ARMY, BUT WAS DE-NOTIFIED IN 2013

Mishra, meanwhile, said an operation to clear the blinds and the areas with dangerous leftover ammunition from Kargil will be initiated at the earliest, adding, “We will do it in a time bound manner. I am urging the general from today to start it.” “It is unfortunate that the same has not happened so far,” he added.