Jammu And Kashmir: Tension In Poonch, Samba As As Pakistani Drones Violate LoC Again

Srinagar: Pakistan has once again intensified its nefarious activities along the International Border (IB) and Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir. Reports of drone activity from the Pakistani side have heightened concerns among security agencies. 

What is the latest incident?

Pakistani drones were spotted hovering over the International Border and Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch and Samba districts on Thursday night, prompting security forces to immediately activate their Anti-Unmanned Aerial Systems (Anti-UAS). Security has also been further tightened along the India-Pakistan border.

Where were the drones spotted?

According to media reports, drone activity was first observed near the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch district. A drone was seen hovering near border outposts, after which security forces immediately activated their anti-drone system to counter any potential threat.

Similarly, a drone was also reported to have been sighted near the International Border in the Ramgarh sector of Samba district. Officials said that in both cases, the drones were seen hovering near Indian territory, after which security agencies maintained a close watch on the situation.

What was the response from the Indian Army?

Following these incidents, the Indian Army and other security forces deployed along the India-Pakistan border have been put on high alert. Surveillance and patrolling have been increased in the border areas to prevent any kind of infiltration or suspicious activity.

Have such incidents happened before?

This is not the first time such drone activity has been reported. Earlier on Tuesday night, several suspected Pakistani drones were spotted attempting to enter Indian territory across the Line of Control in Rajouri district. At that time, Army personnel took the situation seriously and even fired at the drones to deter them. Given the possibility of surveillance, infiltration, or any other conspiracy using drones, security forces are maintaining vigilance at all levels.

What is Pakistan up to?

There has been heightened activity by Pakistan along the border areas in recent days. Last Sunday, the security forces had spotted suspected drone activity in several forward areas near the International Border (IB) and Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir's Samba, Rajouri, and Poonch districts.

What did officials say?

Indian Army officials informed the media that all the flying objects came from the Pakistani side and returned after hovering over Indian territory for a few minutes.

According to officials, security forces have launched a search operation on the ground after spotting suspected drone activity in the forward areas. They said Indian Army personnel guarding the Nowshera sector near the LoC in Rajouri fired with medium and light machine guns after spotting a drone hovering over Gania-Kalsian village at around 6:35 pm.

When were the other drones spotted?

Another drone was spotted at 6:35 pm in Khabbar village of Teryath in Rajouri district. Officials said the flying object with flashing lights came from the direction of Dharamsal village in Kalakote and moved towards Bharkh. They said a drone-like object with flashing lights was seen hovering for several minutes over Chak Babral village in the Ramgarh sector of Samba at around 7:15 pm. In Poonch district, another drone-like object was seen moving from Tain towards Topa in the Mankote sector near the LoC at 6:25 pm.