The IAF disposes live bombs found in a remote village near Itanagar, preventing a potential disaster. The discovery of two unexploded devices by locals in Chiputa village, just 18 km from the capital, triggered immediate action by the Indian Air Force bomb squad earlier today.
This swift operation marks a critical reminder of public safety in areas often used for military drills.
Villagers Alert Authorities After IAF Disposes Live Bombs Near Itanagar
Early this morning, local residents found two metal cylinders while collecting firewood. Suspecting danger, they immediately contacted the local police station in Chiputa.
Police quickly arrived, sealed the area, and escalated the matter to the Eastern Air Command of the IAF. Within hours, a specialized bomb disposal unit landed by chopper to begin the operation.
“Their prompt alert allowed us to act fast. Civilians saved lives today,” an IAF official told The Hindu.
The IAF disposes live bombs only under extreme caution and strict protocol, especially in civilian zones.
How the IAF Disposes Live Bombs Safely in Arunachal Pradesh
The bomb squad identified the devices as aerial bombs—likely remnants from a past military training exercise. Though rusted, they were still active.
To ensure safety, the team carefully moved the bombs to an open clearing outside the village. They conducted a controlled detonation while security forces kept the area clear. The entire operation took about two hours.
“No one was harmed. Everything went according to plan,” said a spokesperson from the Eastern Air Command.
Thanks to the precise operation, the IAF disposes live bombs without any collateral damage.
Villagers React to the Close Call
Fear and concern spread briefly throughout Chiputa after news of the discovery. Children were kept home from school, and farmers avoided nearby fields.
Local leader Leki Tashi said, “We’re lucky someone noticed them in time. The IAF team handled it well.”
The state government has issued safety advisories urging people to report any unusual metal objects or containers found outdoors.
Military Origin Under Review
Preliminary investigation suggests the bombs may have been dropped during an air force exercise earlier this year. Dense forest and limited traffic may have hidden them until now.
While the IAF regularly conducts training in parts of Arunachal Pradesh, this event highlights the risks when unexploded ordnance is not accounted for. The Ministry of Defence has requested a full report on the incident.
For more on IAF safety protocols, visit the Indian Air Force official website
Security Sweep Ordered in Nearby Villages
Following this incident, authorities began inspecting neighboring areas for other hidden threats. Police and army officials are expected to conduct a full sweep over the next week.
The Arunachal Pradesh administration has also planned awareness drives in rural communities to prevent similar incidents.
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This incident is a powerful example of what happens when communities and security forces work together. The IAF disposes live bombs swiftly—but only after villagers acted responsibly.
