Jharkhand security officials defuse 18 landmines

The army and police, working in a joint operation have recovered and defused 18 landmines in Jharkhand's Khunti district.

The landmines were reportedly spread across a muddy route, mainly used by security personnel.

Superintendent of Police, Anish Gupta told mediapersons that Maoists belonging to the People's Liberation Front of India (PLFI) had planted the mines to derail Operation Karo II, which was started in January to target left wing extremist -hit areas of Ranchi, Chaibasa, Gumla, Simdega, Lohardaga across the state.

"Around 18 landmines were planted in series and were recovered during an operation and have been diffused. They were very strong: each weighed around 15-20 kilograms and they were planted on a route at a distance of 100 metres each," said Gupta.

The police is investigating the matter further.