Undetonated missile found near village in Punjab's Hoshiarpur
Amid the escalation of tension between India and Pakistan, an undetonated China-made PL-15 long-range air-to-air missile landed in a secluded spot near Kumahi Devi village of Hoshiarpur district of Punjab on Thursday night. Armed forces personnel and the Hoshiarpur district administration were in the process of safely removing it on Friday.
Hoshiarpur was among the 16 of Punjab's 23 districts to observe a complete blackout on Thursday night. The missile was intercepted by India's air defence system and landed in the secluded site near the village, an official said.
Forensic experts and an anti-sabotage team were already at the spot.
Deputy commissioner Aashika Jain said the area had been cordoned off and Indian Air Force (IAF) authorities had been informed about the recovery of the missile. 'The IAF has a standing operating procedure (SOP) to clear remnants of a missile or other armed equipment,' Jain said.
She said that the district administration has been providing all logistics and machinery required to IAF for clearing the debris of the missile. 'Civilian movement in and around the site has been restricted as the police have cordoned off the area for the safety of the people,' she said.
This is the second such missile to be found in Hoshiarpur district since May 7 when India launched precision air strikes at terror infrastructure in Pakistan. The debris of a similar missile had fallen in the backyard of a resident at Ghagwal village of Hoshiarpur district on Wednesday night. It was later found to be a part of a China-made PL-15 missile neutralised by the IAF.
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Their limited availability in extractable forms, complex processing requirements, and widespread applications have turned them into a focal point of global competition. top videos View all China's long-standing dominance over refining and supply has exposed systemic vulnerabilities, prompting countries around the world to diversify their sources and invest in alternative supply chains. For India, this global push presents both a challenge and a window of opportunity. With policy reforms, enhanced investment, and greater international cooperation, India could position itself as a meaningful player in the rare earth ecosystem. However, bridging the gap between potential and preparedness will require focused, time-bound efforts. About the Author Karishma Jain Karishma Jain, Chief Sub Editor at writes and edits opinion pieces on a variety of subjects, including Indian politics and policy, culture and the arts, technology and social change. Follow her @ More Get Latest Updates on Movies, Breaking News On India, World, Live Cricket Scores, And Stock Market Updates. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : rare earth elements US-China ties Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: June 12, 2025, 11:20 IST News explainers What Are Rare Earth Minerals And Why China's Grip Has Nations Racing For Alternatives | Explained
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