Jammu, May 19 -- Security forces on Sunday destroyed 42 unexploded shells in different forward villages near the Line of Control in Poonch district, officials said.

Indian Army, in close coordination with local police authorities, successfully conducted a controlled operation for the safe destruction of 42 unexploded ordnances in the border areas of Jhullas, Salotri, Dharati and Salani, a defence spokesperson said.

He said these shells, remnants of recent cross-border shelling, posed a serious threat to the lives and safety of local residents.

Indian Army engineers have launched a sweeping clearance operation across border districts, defusing over 80 unexploded shells in the past five days - including 6 in Pargwal, 19 in Rajouri, 42 in...