Police said a suspected IED was found near the bridge in Sherpur village of Hiranagar tehsil in Kathua District.
"Soon after getting the information, police teams from Hiranagar and Ghagwal police stations were rushed to the spot," police said.
They said the Bomb Disposal Squad was immediately pressed into the service.
"The device has been defused and a major tragedy was averted," said police.
More details are awaited, they stated.