A rusted mortar shell found lying in a field near the International Border in Kathua district here has been defused on Saturday, officials said.

The old mortar shell was noticed by tractor driver Balkrishan in a field at village Spalwan near border police post Chakra in Hiranagar sector this afternoon, the officials said.

A bomb disposal squad was immediately rushed to the scene and the mortar shell was defused without causing any damage, they said.