IED defused in Shopian district

Srinagar, Oct 31: Security forces on Friday detected and defused an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) in south Kashmir's Shopian district weeks ahead of the upcoming assembly elections in the state, police said.

The IED, weighing about five kilogrammes, was hidden inside a small LPG cylinder in an orchard near the Mughal Road, they said.

The traffic on the road was stopped briefly till the cylinder was recovered and taken to a safe place.

The IED was later defused through a controlled explosion by the bomb disposal squad, he said, adding it was apparently planted to target security forces passing through the area.

Polling in Jammu and Kashmir will take place on November 25, December 2, 9, 14 and 20 and counting of votes will be on December 23.

PTI