In a twin security alert just days before Republic Day, Jammu and Kashmir forces intercepted a suspicious pigeon near the Line of Control and seized a cache of weapons dropped by a Pakistani drone near the international border. The incidents underscore the heightened state of vigilance in the region ahead of the national celebrations.
Pigeon with Coded Rings Caught by Teenager
The first alert came from Kharah village in the Akhnoor sector along the LoC. A 13-year-old boy named Aryan caught a pale grey pigeon on Saturday morning. The bird immediately raised suspicions due to its distinctive appearance and markings.
Official sources reported that the pigeon had two black bars on both wings, which were also found stamped. More intriguingly, the bird's legs carried red and yellow rings. These rings were inscribed with the words 'Rehmat Sarkar' and 'Rizwan 2025'. The teenager promptly handed over the bird to the police at the Pallanwala police station for further investigation.
This is not an isolated case. Security forces have a history of intercepting pigeons from across the border used for potentially nefarious purposes. On August 18 last year, a pigeon was caught in the R S Pura's Khatmaria area near the international border. That bird was carrying a chit, written in English and Urdu, which contained a chilling warning about blowing up the Jammu railway station with an IED. Past instances also include pigeons found with coded words and numbers on slips attached to their legs.
Pakistani Drone Drops Arms Consignment in Samba
In a separate but simultaneous operation, the Border Security Force (BSF) and Jammu Kashmir Police seized a significant consignment of arms and ammunition in the Samba district on Saturday. The seizure occurred near the international border following intelligence about cross-border drone activity.
According to police sources, the security personnel launched a joint search operation in the Paloora village of the Ghagwal area after reports of a drone movement from the Pakistan side late on Friday night. Their efforts led to the discovery of a weapons drop.
The seized consignment included two pistols, three magazines, sixteen rounds of ammunition, and a grenade. The arms were carefully wrapped in yellow tape, requiring the expertise of a bomb disposal squad to safely open the package. Searches in the surrounding area continued through the day.
Heightened Security Measures Across Jammu Region
These interceptions are part of a massive security crackdown ahead of Republic Day. Police and security forces have intensified combing and search operations across the Jammu region. The number of nakas (checkpoints) has been significantly increased to monitor and control movement.
The alert level was already high following an exchange of fire between security forces and a group of terrorists in Kathua district's Billawar area last Wednesday. Although the terrorists managed to escape, the encounter triggered widespread searches.
In another related incident, just a day before the pigeon and drone seizures, security forces seized a small drone in the R S Pura area suspected of being used for surveillance. Furthermore, searches are ongoing in the Katli area of Samba district following reports of suspicious movements on Friday.
The back-to-back incidents highlight the continuous attempts at cross-border mischief and the robust, multi-layered security response deployed to safeguard the Republic Day festivities in Jammu and Kashmir.
