Srinagar: A major terror plot was scuttled in Kashmir today with the timely detection and defusion of an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) on a busy Highway used frequently by the security forces.
The IED, weighing about 18 kgs, was in the shape of twin-cylinders filled with explosives.
It was planted close to the Bandipora-Sopore road in Astingoo area and a major damage could have been caused if it had gone undetected and exploded.
“Based on intelligence received from JKP (Jammu and Kashmir Police) and further corroborated by Indian Army, regarding presence of an Improvised Explosive Device in General Area Astingoo on Bandipora-Sopore road, a Joint Operation was launched by Indian Army and JKP on the intervening night of 14 and 15 Oct 2022,” Defence spokesman here said.
Search parties were immediately deployed and an area of 300 metre radius was cordoned by security forces, he said.
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During the search, presence of an IED was confirmed at about 08.35 AM today by the security party, the spokesman said.
An Indian Army Bomb Disposal squad was rushed in to the location to neutralise the IED and it was destroyed without any damage, he said.
Bandipora-Sopore Highway is an important line of communication for civil traffic as well as for the Army and CAPF convoys, the spokesman said, adding the security forces, with their swift operation, averted a major terror plot by timely neutralisation of the IED.
The traffic, which was halted on the highway for a few hours, was resumed later.
