TAWANG :  A live mortar shell believed to be from the 1962 war era was successfully defused by the India Army after it was discovered in Lebrang area of Tawang township, officials said on Saturday.

According to police, information about the unexploded mortar shell was received on June 11 at around 4 pm. Following the alert, Tawang superintendent of police Tasi Darang immediately contacted the Army authorities, including the 190 Mountain Brigade stationed in Tawang.

A police team promptly cordoned off the area to ensure public safety. However, due to darkness, the disposal operation could not be carried out on the same day.

The following morning, a joint operation was launched in the presence of Brigadier Bhupal Singh, Commander of the 190 Mountain Brigade, Colonel N Vasantharaj, SP Darang and Major Mhd Akhlas.

The Army’s Bomb Disposal Team carefully transported the live shell to Methang area and carried out a controlled disposal operation. The mortar shell was successfully defused without any loss of life, injury, damage to property or harm to livestock.

Expressing gratitude to the Army, SP Darang thanked the 190 Mountain Brigade for its swift response and professional handling of the situation.

Officials said unexploded mortar shells and other war remnants dating back to the 1962 India-China conflict are occasionally found in border areas of Arunachal Pradesh and remain highly dangerous due to their explosive nature.

The SP advised residents to immediately inform the district police or security agencies if they come across any suspected unexploded ordnance, warning that such objects can cause catastrophic damage if disturbed or detonated accidentally.