In a significant security development, two live bombs were safely detected and neutralised by bomb disposal squads near an Indian Air Force (IAF) firing range in Arunachal Pradesh’s Kamle district on Wednesday. The discovery raised alarm in the area, triggering an immediate coordinated operation by the IAF, local police, and district administration to prevent any risk to civilian lives or defence personnel.
Where Were The Bombs Found?
The two unexploded ordnances were found:
- Near the Raga firing range, used by IAF units for periodic air-to-ground practice.
- Close to a forested zone, about 3 km from Raga village, a sparsely populated settlement with tribal communities.
- During routine patrolling by security forces before scheduled firing practice sessions this week.
How Were They Discovered?
According to Kamle SP Hemanta Das, security personnel conducting pre-exercise perimeter patrols noticed suspicious metallic objects partially buried under loose soil near the range boundary. The area was cordoned off immediately, and an alert was sent to the IAF Eastern Command.
“Our bomb detection squad, with support from the IAF explosive experts, identified them as unexploded bombs left behind from previous practice sorties. Both were safely defused using controlled detonation techniques,” Das confirmed.
Timeline Of Neutralisation Operation
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 7:30 AM | Patrol team spots suspicious objects near firing range |
| 8:15 AM | Area cordoned off; bomb disposal unit alerted |
| 9:45 AM | IAF and police bomb experts arrive on site |
| 10:30 AM | Confirmed as live unexploded ordnance |
| 11:15 AM | Controlled detonation conducted |
| 12:00 PM | Second bomb neutralised; area declared safe |
| 1:30 PM | Civilians informed; range re-opened for scheduled operations |
What Kind Of Bombs Were They?
Defence sources indicated these were high-explosive practice bombs used for precision targeting drills by Sukhoi-30 MKI and Jaguar fighter aircraft. While they contain lesser explosive power than combat bombs, they can cause lethal damage within a 50-100 metre radius if detonated inadvertently.
IAF’s Safety Protocols
The Indian Air Force conducts extensive safety audits to ensure:
- No unexploded ordnance (UXO) remains near public areas after training drills.
- Routine UXO detection and clearance operations before and after firing exercises.
- Deployment of trained explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) teams for emergency situations.
However, heavy rains, shifting soil, and terrain challenges in Arunachal’s hilly regions often lead to ordnance getting buried deeper, complicating detection.
Local Administration’s Response
Kamle Deputy Commissioner Vishal Sah informed media that:
“We immediately issued an advisory to nearby villages to avoid the area until clearance operations concluded. Our priority is civilian safety while supporting national security operations.”
Villagers’ Reactions
Residents of Raga village expressed relief after the bombs were defused.
- Pema Tamang, a local youth leader:
“We were scared when we heard about bombs near our village. The administration informed us not to go near the firing range until they finished the operation. We are thankful no one was hurt.”
Strategic Importance Of Kamle’s IAF Firing Range
The Raga firing range is strategically important for India’s eastern defence posture:
| Factor | Significance |
|---|---|
| Location | Close to the Arunachal-Assam border, enabling rapid deployment drills |
| Usage | Regular training for IAF fighter squadrons based in Tezpur and Jorhat |
| Terrain | Hilly landscape ideal for simulating difficult combat targeting scenarios |
| Infrastructure | Upgraded in 2021 under eastern sector modernisation plan |
The range supports operational readiness amid rising security challenges along India’s eastern borders.
Safety Challenges During Firing Drills
- Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) Risks: Often remain undetected after practice sessions, posing hazards to civilians and livestock if unmarked.
- Heavy Monsoon Impact: Rains can shift soil layers, burying bombs deeper or washing them into populated areas.
- Terrain Accessibility: Steep slopes and forested areas hamper routine patrols and UXO detection vehicle movements.
Past UXO Incidents In North-East
| Year | Location | Incident | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Tezpur, Assam | UXO found in farmland near army range | Neutralised by army bomb squad |
| 2018 | West Kameng, Arunachal | Unexploded mortar shell discovered by herders | Defused safely by army |
| 2022 | Tawang, Arunachal | Two practice bombs found after IAF drills | Controlled detonation conducted |
Measures To Prevent Future UXO Risks
- Advanced UXO detection technology such as ground-penetrating radars (GPR) to identify buried ordnance.
- Increased frequency of post-firing range sweeps by trained EOD teams.
- Community awareness drives in nearby villages about UXO risks.
- Establishment of permanent safety exclusion zones around high-risk areas.
Defence Experts’ Views
Air Commodore (Retd) SP Singh stated:
“Neutralisation of UXO is part of standard safety protocol. However, the frequency of such incidents must be minimised with advanced detection systems. Civilian safety is paramount alongside operational preparedness.”
Broader Security Context
The incident comes amid heightened operational activity by the Eastern Air Command, as India continues to strengthen its military infrastructure and readiness along the LAC with China, including:
- Deployment of additional Sukhoi-30 MKI squadrons in Tezpur and Chabua.
- Enhanced night landing facilities at forward airstrips like Pasighat and Mechuka.
- Regular integrated drills with the Army under Eastern Command’s joint doctrine.
Conclusion
The timely detection and neutralisation of two live bombs near the IAF firing range in Kamle district of Arunachal Pradesh has averted a potential disaster. It underscores the critical importance of strict ordnance disposal protocols, community safety measures, and infrastructural upgrades to ensure both national defence readiness and civilian protection in strategically sensitive regions.
Disclaimer: This news report is based on official statements and defence analysis. Readers are advised to follow local administration advisories for safety updates near defence installations.
