‘Stay away’, say Punjab cops as unexploded missiles and drone debris spark safety concerns across villages

CHANDIGARH: With missiles and drones fired by Pakistan and their debris landing across rural areas of Punjab, after India neutralised them midair, Punjab Police have issued a set of instructions to field officers to deal with what should be treated as unexploded ordnance (UXO), TOI has learnt. A top Punjab Police officer said on Sunday that even today, parts of missiles and drones were found in some areas in the state. "We have also issued an advisory in this regard. The advisory was issued to keep people safe," he said.Officials in the know say the instructions underline that the nearest police team should reach the site of the unexploded ordnance immediately, irrespective of the jurisdiction, and that any bomb, missile, ammunition, or any part thereof should be treated as unexploded ordnance.According to instructions, an official said, sarpanches of villages and village defence committees where such ordnance is found should be tasked by the police and the station house officer concerned to contain people and maintain distance until the nearest police team arrives.The police advisory reads: "In case any bombs, missiles, ammunition, or any part is found in your locality, please inform the local police control room immediately on 112." It further reads, "Under no circumstances should the object be treated or moved by anyone, as it may have unexploded explosives, which can cause fatal damage. If the object is found in an open field, stay away. Do not try to go near. Stop others from going near.Inform the police."The advisory further reads, "If the object is in an inhabited area, ask all persons from the nearby houses and buildings to move to a safe distance.."According to the instructions to the field officers, the area around parts of the ordnance found should be cordoned off by a radius of at least 10 metres, using police tape or any locally available material like rope. The advisory comes after videos on social media showed villagers in close proximity to parts of such ordnance and debris, filming these and even holding their parts.According to instructions, no one, including the first respondent, should touch such ordnance, and if it is found in an open field, it should be kept as far as possible and practicable. "In case the UXO is found in a built-up area, immediate steps to remove people from the nearby buildings should be taken. Sandbags and other locally available materials that can assist in reducing the damage in case of an explosion should be immediately placed around the UXO," say the instructions pertaining to the procedure to be followed in the given circumstances.The field officers have been directed to ensure that photographs and video recordings of the UXO should be done from a distance.