Jammu: A major terror incident was foiled in south Kashmir’s Shopian district on Wednesday after security forces detected and safely neutralised a powerful improvised explosive device (IED) planted along a busy Zainapora-Chitragam road.
Officials said thaT the explosive device was found during a routine area sanitisation operation carried out in the early hours along the Zainapora–Chitragam road.
The suspicious object, upon closer inspection, was identified as a high-intensity IED, believed to have been planted with the intention of targeting the movement of security forces, an official said.
Acting swiftly, the forces immediately secured the area and summoned a bomb disposal squad to the spot, he said, adding that the team later defused the explosive in a controlled operation, ensuring there was no damage or casualties.
According to the official, the IED weighed around 14.5 kilogrammes and was packed with high-grade explosives. “It was also fitted with a remote triggering mechanism, indicating a planned attempt to carry out a targeted attack on security personnel vehicles passing through the route,” he said.
Meanwhile, Army’s Chinar Corps said that its personnel, in coordination with Jammu & Kashmir Police, successfully averted a potential tragedy. The operation was conducted under “Op Chitragam”, during which the device was carefully handled and destroyed following standard safety protocols, it said.
“The timely detection and neutralisation of the IED prevented a major incident,” a defence spokesperson said.
He said the area was later sanitised to rule out the presence of any additional threats, while investigations have been initiated to trace those responsible for planting the explosive
