IED event in Gilgit-Baltistan , Hargusal, Kharmang area, Pakistan on Thu 13th June 2024

Toy bomb from Kargil war kills boy in Baltistan


GILGIT: A child lost his life, and two family members sustained injuries when a toy-like bomb from the Kargil war exploded in Hargusal village in Kharmang district of Gilgit-Baltistan on Thursday.

The incident occurred while the family was grazing goats in the area. According to local sources, the 14-year-old boy, whose identity could not be ascertained, discovered the explosive device and mistook it for a toy. While playing with it, the device detonated, killing the child instantly. His father, Asghar, and his sister were also injured in the blast.

Hargusal village, situated just a few kilometers from the line of control with Indian-occupied Kargil, is a particularly affected area.

The deceased child was laid to rest in his native village amidst a somber atmosphere. This incident is not isolated; a similar tragedy occurred in 2018 in Ghusel village of Kharmang district when two boys, aged 10 and 12, were injured by a similar toy bomb explosion.

Historical context reveals that during the Kargil conflict and other wars, numerous such devices were reportedly dropped in the border areas by Indian forces.

In light of recent tragic incidents, locals have urged the authorities to take immediate measures for the clearance of unexploded ordnance in the area to ensure the safety of their families and children.

Kharmang’s Deputy Commissioner Areeb Ahmed Mukhtar, along with SP Kharmang Tajuddin and Assistant Commissioner Kharmang Shabbir Hussain, visited the bereaved family in Hargusal village to express their condolences over the tragic incident.

Deputy Commissioner Mukhtar assured the family that the district administration would stand with them in this time of sorrow and provide all possible support.