Samba, J&K (India): The security grid has been tightened along the India-Pakistan border in the Jammu region’s Samba, Kathua, and Jammu districts.
Alerts are often sounded following reports of balloons, suspected drone sightings, or even pigeon-related activities in Indian border villages, believed to have originated from the Pakistani side.
As this is a sensitive area along the International Border, villagers, Village Defence Groups (VDGs), and the police, along with paramilitary forces, remain vigilant against such suspicious activities. These incidents cannot be ignored, especially amid concerns over Pakistan’s attempts to re-fuel terrorism in the Jammu region’s Chenab Valley and areas such as Dudu-Basantgarh in Udhampur district.
In recent times, sightings of suspected drones in Samba and Rajouri districts have kept security agencies on high alert. Amid these unusual activities, local residents play an important role in safeguarding their communities and assisting security forces in identifying and countering potential threats.
A recent incident occurred in Sarain village in the Nud area of Samba district, where police recovered a suspicious balloon after receiving information from locals. A police team from the nearest police post rushed to the spot and seized the balloon, which reportedly came from Pakistan and landed on Indian soil.
“The balloon was taken down from a tree where it was hanging,” an eyewitness said, adding that this was not an isolated incident and has raised serious security concerns.
Locals stated that several similar incidents have occurred in Samba district alone.
With districts such as Udhampur, Kishtwar, Kathua, and Samba witnessing terrorist movement followed by cordon-and-search operations in various areas, such balloons are often viewed as a potential threat to the security of the region.DD
