Manipur bomb squad disposes of 45 kg unexploded World War II artillery shell in Thoubal

Experts identified the device as a large-calibre artillery shell resembling those deployed in the 1940s campaigns in northeast India (Image for representation)

Officials on Saturday confirmed that a 45-kg unexploded artillery shell, believed to date back to World War II, was successfully disposed of by a bomb disposal squad in Manipur’s Thoubal district, Hindustan Times reported.

The shell, as per police, was found on August 28 evening at Khangabok Part-3 Makha Leikai.

Post the discovery, a case was registered at the Thoubal police station. Later, the bomb disposal squad of Manipur Police moved the ordnance to Langathel Chingol, where it was safely neutralised following all required safety protocols.

“This was a heavy shell that could have caused massive damage if mishandled. Luckily, it was detected before any accident occurred,” a senior police officer told HT.

Experts identified the device as a large-calibre artillery shell resembling those deployed in the 1940s campaigns in northeast India. Its recovery once again underscores Manipur’s role in the Battle of Imphal (March–July 1944), which, along with Kohima, proved decisive in the Burma Campaign of World War II.

An Imphal-based historian said that Manipur was at the heart of one of the fiercest battles of the Second World War. “The Imphal Valley saw air raids, artillery bombardments, and hand-to-hand combat. It is not surprising that remnants like unexploded shells still surface even after 80 years,” the historian was quoted in the report.

Some other relics were also reportedly recovered last month in Imphal West district, including empty ammunition cases, grenades, spades.

“If anyone comes across such suspicious objects, they must not attempt to move them. Report immediately to the nearest police station,” the Thoubal district administration advised.