Itanagar, Jun 12: A potentially dangerous unexploded mortar shell was safely defused on Friday by the Indian Army after it was discovered in the Lebrang area of Tawang township on Thursday, averting a possible threat to life and property.
According to police sources, information regarding the unexploded live mortar bomb was received by Tawang Police Station at around 4 pm on June 11. Following the report, Tawang district Superintendent of Police (SP) Tasi Darang immediately contacted the Commandant of the 190 Mountain Brigade, Tawang, and coordinated a response.
The area was promptly cordoned off by Tawang District Police to ensure public safety. However, due to darkness and safety concerns, disposal of the explosive could not be undertaken on the same day.
On the following morning, a joint operation was carried out in the presence of 190 Mountain Brigade Commander Brigadier Bhupal Singh, Col N Vasantharaj, SP Tasi Darang, and Major Mohammad Akhlas.
The Army’s Bomb Disposal Team carefully transported the live mortar shell to the Methang area and successfully neutralized it through a controlled operation without any loss of life, damage to property or harm to livestock.
Meanwhile, SP Tasi Darang expressed gratitude to the officers and personnel of the 190 Mountain Brigade for their swift response and professional handling of the operation.
He noted that unexploded mortar shells dating back to the 1962 Indo-China conflict are occasionally found in border areas of Arunachal Pradesh and can cause catastrophic impact to the surrounding if exploded.
The SP urged public to immediately inform the police if they come across any suspicious or unexploded military ordnance, warning that such explosives remain highly dangerous even after decades.