WWII-Era Shell Found in Thoubal, Safely Neutralised by Manipur Police

A bomb believed to date back to World War II was discovered in Manipur’s southern Thoubal district on Tuesday and was safely detonated by the Manipur Police Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad.

According to officials, the rusted and unexploded shell was found around 4 pm during earth excavation work for the construction of a retaining wall at Heirok Part-II, Tomal Makhong Leikai in Thoubal district.

Upon receiving information from local residents, a bomb disposal team accompanied by a sniffer dog rushed to the spot. The squad carefully retrieved the explosive device and later carried out a controlled detonation at a secure location in Heirok.

Historical Context

Manipur was one of the major battlefields during World War II, particularly during the 1944 battles involving Allied forces and the Japanese Army. The Japanese forces were supported by the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose-led Indian National Army during the campaign in the region.

Unexploded WWII-era explosives and war remnants have frequently been discovered in Manipur and neighbouring Nagaland over the years, reflecting the intensity of fighting in the region during that period.

Authorities have urged residents to immediately inform police if any suspected war-era explosive materials are found.