Two landmines found in Jharkhand, police issue advisory

Two landmines were found by security forces in Jharkhand's Bokaro district Sunday, as officials issued an advisory to security personnel not to defuse landmines but hand over the task to bomb disposal squads.

Police said two landmines, each weighing 10 kg, were found during a search operation at the Budgadda jungle, around 140 km from Ranchi.

Police issued an advisory to security forces not to defuse landmines found during search operations.

"Advisory has been issued to security forces in the state not to defuse landmines recovered during search operation. Only bomb disposal squads will defuse the landmines," a police official told IANS.

"There have been a few incidents when landmines blew up while security forces were trying to defuse them. The Maoists seem to be using new technology to make landmines," the police official said.

Maoists are active in 18 of the 24 districts of the state.

Police and paramilitary forces launched a special operation in Maoist-affected areas for the ongoing Lok Sabha polls, after the rebels asked people to boycott the election.

As a precautionary measure, security forces and polling officials are being airlifted to the polling booths.