Jorhat, Oct 16: A mortar shell discovered in Jorhat and suspected to date back to World War II was detonated and defused by the Army near Chotai Tea Estate in Mariani on Friday, triggering panic and commotion in areas bordering Nagaland.
The operation was carried out by the Army’s 261 CEDO Bomb Disposal Team near the Disoi forest area, east of Chotai Tea Estate, in the presence of police. Following the detonation, the Army and police temporarily sealed off the site and barred members of the public from entering the area as a precautionary measure.
The sound of the explosion caused a stir in neighbouring areas, including Chotai, Rongkham and Laojan, along the Nagaland border.
The mortar shell was recovered on Tuesday (October 13) during excavation and cleaning work at Tokolai, near Jorhat Cemetery Road. Its discovery had triggered concern in the area, prompting police personnel, including the Additional Superintendent of Police of Jorhat, to reach the spot.
A police official at the site had said the projectile appeared old at first glance and could date back to World War II. However, its origin had not been established at the time.
“The discovered mortar or projectile appears old prima facie. It could be from World War II and is live. Therefore, we are requesting everyone to maintain a suitable distance from it,” the official had said.
The official had also said that a specialist team from Dergaon was being sent to identify and dispose of the explosive.
“It could also be a misfired weapon from the Army that someone had brought to their household. However, we cannot say anything just yet,” the official had added.
The area around the site where the mortar was found had been sealed off to prevent public access and ensure safety while the authorities assessed the threat posed by the explosive.