Imphal: Joint security forces safely defused an improvised explosive device (IED) found in a forested area near Sikibung village in Ukhrul district on Friday, averting a potential threat to civilians, police said.
The device was spotted by local villagers who were searching for beehives in the forest, around three kilometres south of Litan Police Station. The Litan Police received information about the suspicious object at around 12.30 pm on Friday.
Following the alert, a joint team comprising personnel from Litan Police Station, 164 ‘D’ Company of the Border Security Force (BSF) and a specialised bomb disposal team reached the location.
The area was immediately cordoned off as a precautionary measure, while the village headman, village chairman and personnel at nearby security posts were alerted.
At around 4 pm, the BSF bomb disposal team carried out an in-situ operation to neutralise the IED, police said.
A subsequent search of the area found no secondary explosive devices, dangerous fragments or other material of evidentiary value, according to the police report.
Litan Police Station registered a General Diary entry, GD Entry No. 09/LTN-PS/2026, dated August 7, 2026, in connection with the recovery.
Police said further investigation is underway to determine the origin of the explosive device and establish how it was placed in the forest area frequented by local residents.