A major tragedy was averted by troops on Friday by timely detecting and defusing an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) along the Handwara Baramulla Highway.
An army official said a high-powered IED connected with three 10-kilogram LPG Cylinders was spotted by an alert Road Opening Party near Langait-Watergam raod in Handwara.
He said the IED was planted on the National Highway that connects Kupwara with Srinagar.
Almost 1000 civil vehicles and 200 defence vehicles crossed the spot where IED was planted.
The IED was detected by the column of an Air Defence Unit present in the area, the official said.
“IED Recovered on Langate - Watergam Road. ChinarWarriors @JmuKmrPolice averted a major terror incident today by recovering & in-situ destroying an IED on Langate - Watergam Road, #Baramulla. #IndianArmy resolute in its commitment to keep #Kashmir terror-free," Army's Chinar Corps posted on X.
Earlier, police said the Road Opening Party (ROP) discovered three suspicious small gas cylinders concealed under some bushes, along the roadside in Ganapora, area of Kralgund Handwara in Kupwara district.
“Recognizing the potential danger, the security forces acted promptly to assess and mitigate the threat. At around 1030 hours, the joint team of 30RR and Handwara Police safely detonated the suspicious cylinders,” a police spokesman said.
He said subsequent examination revealed that cylinders contained urea, a non-lethal substance. “There were no injuries or reports of damage to life or property during this incident.”
Police said they were actively investigating the incident to determine the motives and those responsible for placing these cylinders in a public area.
Police has urged public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities or objects to the nearest Police unit.