Srinagar: Even as the security forces and Jammu and Kashmir Police continue with tight vigil round the clock, the sightings of aeroplane-shaped balloons, marked with PIA (acronym for Pakistan International Airlines) have increased in various parts of the Union Territory. The latest such sighting was on Monday, when the army seized a balloon from Pargwal area along the Line of Control (LOC).

Security forces seize drone from Poonch

Apart from this, security forces also seized a drone lying abandoned in the fields at Gohled village in Poonch district. As per officials, the PIA was found written in both English and Urdu in the balloon. The probe has started to find out how the balloon reached the area.

Last Friday, another balloon was found at Samba district’s Ramgarh area. The police seized and started the probe after being informed by the police. As per officials, while such sightings have increased in the recent past, these balloons do not seem to carry any explosives or drugs.

10 balloons seized last week

Notably, such sightings are not confined to Jammu only. Last week, security forces seized 10 balloons carrying Pakistani flag near Sarna Top along the LoC in Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir, The Indian Express reported. The security forces in J&K have often seized drones carrying arms, ammunition and narcotics time and again.

Add TV9 English As A Trusted Source

Kathua Police bust a Pakistan-based heroin smuggling

Meanwhile, Kathua Police busted a Pakistan-based heroin smuggling network that was operating through drones. A total of five people were arrested in the case. Four accused were earlier, even as the fifth one was arrested recently in the case. All five are facing prosecution for their alleged involvement in the sale of narcotics and distributing them among youth. The fifth accused was arrested after the police received specific information. The accused Siraj Din, son of Ali Hussain, is a resident of Bishnah in Jammu.