IED found at Lilong-Ushoipokpi bridge
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, October 13 2012: A remote-controlled IED was found planted on Lilong-Ushoipokpi bridge in Thoubal district along the Imphal-Moreh road today.

According to a police source, the remote controlled IED, weighing around 2.5 kg, was spotted this morning around 5.30 by a foot patrolling team of 28 Assam Rifles of Lilong Post.

The explosive was covered with tree leaves in between two RCC slabs on the bridge.

The road was closed for public for a while until the IED was removed by explosive experts of the State police.

The IED was later defused at Waithou Chingol at around 8.45am today.

According to a PRO IGAR (S) release, the IED was diffused at 9 am on NH 102 in Ushoipokpi.

Early in the morning a local resident of Ushoipokpi, whose identity is not being disclosed, informed the road opening party of Lilong post about a suspicious object placed near the bridge.

On receipt of this information, the Company Commander Lilong post, along with his road opening party who were sanitizing the road nearby, rushed to the spot and identified the IED.

It was placed on the ground along with freshly dug mud and vegetation around it.

The presence of explosive was confirmed by the Assam Rifles dog, the PRO release informed adding that after analysis of the IED it was found that the IED was housed in an aluminum container having 2.5 kg of RDX, had a nickel cadmium 9 volt battery as power source and a sophisticated remote activation circuit with antenna.

The IED was powerful enough to have caused major damage to vehicles plying on the road, civilians and SF in the area.

The IED was planted in close vicinity to a residential area.

A local youth club, civil population of Ushoipokpi and Lilong condemned the placing of IED and organised a protest, raised slogan against such IEDs as it was causing harassment to the locals preventing them moving around freely for their essential work during that time, maintained the release.

The locals also appealed and raised voice against the UGs that such acts should not be repeated especially in view of forthcoming festive season and late night public gathering.

On receipt of information Commander 9 Sect AR along with Commandant 28 AR rushed to the spot and took stock of the situation.

They also thanked the local population whose assistance averted a major disaster on NH 102 .

Assam Rifles thanked the support of Lilong, Thoubal Police and Manipur Police BD team for their assistance in diffusing IED thereby averting a major disaster.

The nefarious designs of UGs to disturb peace and tranquility in the region will be thwarted by ever alert SF and cautioned the UGs to refrain from such act of cowardice.

Meanwhile, a pressure bomb, found near Wakha Nongdangkhong under Porompat PS in Imphal East district, was exploded by the bomb experts of the State police today around 6am.

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