Security forces launched an extensive search operation early Saturday in the forward areas along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir‘s Poonch district following the sighting of a drone suspected to be of Pakistani origin. The unmanned aerial vehicle was observed hovering over the Balakote area’s Behrooti village in the Mendhar sector late Friday evening. Officials reported that the drone proceeded towards the Mangalnar-Dabrote side near the border before returning towards Pakistani territory.
Army troops stationed along the LoC intensified their surveillance measures immediately after the drone’s appearance. The search operation commenced at first light on Saturday, with personnel meticulously examining the terrain to ascertain if the drone had dropped any suspicious material or carried any illicit payload. Information reaching Tahir Rihat suggests that the operation is ongoing, and security forces have been placed on a heightened state of alert along the entire border stretch.
In parallel, a significant joint search operation is underway across the vast forested districts of Udhampur, Kathua, and Rajouri. This operation was initiated following intelligence inputs regarding suspicious movements in these regions. Police, in conjunction with Army and paramilitary forces, are conducting thorough sweeps of the extensive forest belts. The joint search operation in the Udhampur-Kathua forest belt, specifically covering areas such as Khuban, Nagain, Khtrail, Godu Falal, Padetar, Chor Mottu, Kia, Kheba, Bhed, Marta, and Joffar, commenced on Friday evening and continues to be active. This multi-agency effort underscores the seriousness with which security agencies are treating the potential threats emanating from across the border.
The security apparatus in Rajouri district has also been mobilized, with a separate search operation being conducted in the villages of Gaibas, Mithiyani, Mogla, and Narla. This operation was prompted by information provided by local villagers who reported observing the movement of two individuals believed to be terrorists. Officials have stated that despite the ongoing searches and heightened vigilance, there have been no direct engagements or contact with any suspected individuals or groups in any of the affected areas. The coordinated operations across multiple districts highlight a comprehensive approach by security forces to neutralize any potential infiltration or subversive activities.
The deployment of drones by Pakistan along the LoC has been a recurring concern for Indian security agencies. These unmanned aerial vehicles are often suspected of being used for reconnaissance, smuggling of weapons and narcotics, and potentially for coordinating cross-border infiltration attempts by militants. The frequency of such sightings necessitates constant vigilance and rapid response from the Army and other security forces guarding the sensitive border. The current operations in Poonch, Udhampur, Kathua, and Rajouri reflect the proactive stance taken by the authorities to maintain peace and security in the region. The extensive nature of the search operations, involving multiple security wings and covering large geographical areas, indicates the comprehensive strategy being employed to address any emerging threats. The focus remains on ensuring the integrity of the border and preventing any untoward incidents that could jeopardize the safety and security of the populace in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
The Mendhar sector, where the drone was initially spotted, has historically been a sensitive area along the LoC, prone to cross-border transgressions. The village of Behrooti and the surrounding areas are strategically located, making any aerial surveillance or activity in this vicinity a matter of significant concern for military commanders. The rapid response by the Army troops in intensifying surveillance and launching a search operation demonstrates the preparedness of the forces to counter such aerial intrusions. The return of the drone to Pakistan, as reported by officials, suggests a deliberate reconnaissance mission or an attempt to test the response mechanisms of the Indian security forces. The continued alert status along the border is a standard operating procedure in such circumstances, aimed at deterring any further attempts at infiltration or hostile activity.
The joint operations in the Udhampur-Kathua and Rajouri districts, while seemingly separate, are part of a broader security grid designed to interdict any movement of suspicious elements that might have entered or are attempting to enter Indian territory. The involvement of police alongside Army and paramilitary forces ensures a multi-layered approach, leveraging local intelligence and ground presence. The information regarding the movement of two suspected armed individuals in Rajouri, as relayed by villagers, underscores the importance of community cooperation in counter-terrorism efforts. The fact that no contact has been made so far indicates that the search operations are being conducted with a high degree of caution and precision, aiming to apprehend any individuals without escalating the situation unnecessarily. The ongoing nature of these operations signifies the commitment of the security forces to thoroughly investigate all leads and ensure the complete sanitization of the areas under surveillance. The coordinated efforts across different districts and security agencies are crucial for maintaining a robust defense against potential threats from across the border.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.