Rajouri, Sep 03(KNS): A major tragedy was averted as security forces on Sunday morning recovered an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) like material on a national highway at Sangpur village of border district Rajouri and destroyed it. 

The IED was recovered just a day after Chief of Army Staff, General Manoj Pande was on a two days visit two-day visit to the Pir Panchal region

The IED was planted inside a tiffin box and was found lying on the roadside by the army’s road opening party at the village Sangpur along the Jammu-Poonch National Highway.

"The IED—like material was spotted alongside NHW at Sangpur village of Rajouri after which the road was closed," an official said.

Three teams from nearest army camp were moved to teh location and established a motor vehicle check post at Kallar and Balavenue. The bomb disposal squad of the Army carried out the necessary technical examination of the material and destroyed it through a controlled mechanism. 

"Simultaneously Police were informed and integrated into operation. Bomb Disposal team moved to the location and  Successfully identified and neutralized the IED," the officials said.

Due to this, officials said, movement of vehicles on the Jammu Rajouri Poonch national highway remained suspended for more than two hours on Sunday morning since 5 am.(KNS)