In a tense escalation along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district, the Indian Army resorted to opening fire at Pakistani quadcopters detected at two different locations. The incident, which occurred on Friday, saw the flying objects briefly intruding into Indian territory before retreating back across the border into Pakistan.
Officials reported that the quadcopters were spotted hovering over the Indian side in the Balnoi-Mendhar and Gulpur sectors, triggering an immediate response from the Indian Army.
Troops deployed in the area promptly launched fire at the intruding drones, compelling them to withdraw to Pakistani territory.
Following the incident, the Indian Army initiated a search operation in both sectors to ascertain whether the quadcopters had attempted to drop weapons or narcotics onto Indian soil.
The swift action underscores the Indian Army’s commitment to safeguarding the integrity of the LoC and preventing any unauthorized intrusions or attempts to smuggle contraband into the region.
The first encounter occurred in the Balnoi area of Mendhar around 6:30 am, where troops engaged two drones with gunfire, forcing them to retreat. Similarly, another pair of quadcopters were sighted hovering over the Gulpur sector during the same timeframe.
Indian forces swiftly responded, opening fire at the intruders and compelling them to retreat across the border.
This incident comes on the heels of a previous engagement on February 12, when Indian Army troops intercepted an enemy drone in the Mankote area of the Mendhar sector.
The recurring pattern of drone activity along the LoC underscores the persistent threat posed by Pakistan’s utilization of drones for nefarious purposes, including smuggling narcotics and weapons into Jammu and Kashmir.
In response to the escalating drone menace, the Jammu and Kashmir Police recently announced a cash reward of Rs 3 lakh for individuals providing credible information about drones being flown from across the border.
This proactive measure highlights the urgency of addressing the growing security challenges posed by cross-border drone activities and underscores the collaborative efforts between security forces and local communities to counter this threat effectively.
As tensions persist along the LoC, the Indian Army remains vigilant and prepared to thwart any attempts to undermine the region’s security and stability.
The latest encounter serves as a stark reminder of the need for continued vigilance and proactive measures to safeguard India’s territorial integrity and protect the lives of civilians living in border areas.
