Unmanned Objects Spark Alarm Near Border
By | Gitanjali Thorat | PR Desk
Security forces along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir have been put on high operational readiness after multiple suspected drones were detected late Sunday. The unmanned objects were reportedly spotted in the skies close to forward Army posts, slowly moving from the Pakistani side toward Indian territory. Officials described the activity as “highly unusual,” noting that the drones appeared to follow a coordinated path rather than stray randomly, suggesting a possible surveillance attempt.
Villagers Witness Lights Hovering Over Border Belt
Residents in several border-facing villages in Rajouri, Poonch and parts of Jammu claimed they first noticed blinking lights around dusk. At least three drones were visible for short intervals, hovering at low altitude before moving further inland. Many villagers alerted local police stations, who relayed the information to Army formations guarding the sector. Fear gripped the region briefly, as locals worried whether the drones could drop weapons or be linked to infiltration attempts. Several areas remained under precautionary restriction while tracking continued.
Indian Forces Deploy Counter-Drone Response
The Indian Army responded immediately upon confirmation of the drone activity. Troops fired tracer and illumination rounds to expose the aerial objects and discourage further movement. Military teams activated night-vision scopes, multi-sensor surveillance equipment, and deployed mobile patrols to cover blind spots. Ground forces also combed likely landing corridors near nallahs, farms, and forest belts where previous payload drops have occurred. Officials stressed that the response was defensive but firm, aimed at preventing any breach of security grids.
Rising Drone Threat Along LoC and IB
Defence officers say the recent sighting fits a worrying pattern developing along both the LoC and the International Border. Over the past year, drones have increasingly been used to map Indian troop positions, record patrol patterns, or assist militant groups attempting to infiltrate. In Punjab and Jammu sectors, drones have previously been used to deliver rifles, explosives and drugs intended for sleeper cells. Experts warn that unmanned systems offer deniability and reduced risk for planners across the border, making them a preferred tool for hostile elements.
Surveillance Networks Strengthened Overnight
In response to the latest alert, commanders have further tightened their monitoring network. More ground sensors and automated detection equipment are being positioned around vulnerable pockets, while radar-linked counter-UAV systems are being rotated across posts to avoid predictable coverage. Local police, BSF and the Army have also established rapid communication channels to ensure sightings are verified within minutes rather than hours. Intelligence agencies are now examining whether the drones originated from state-backed units or militant operatives receiving external support.
No Damage Reported, But Strategic Concerns Rise
Although no drone was brought down and no suspicious material was recovered, the incident has heightened strategic tension in the region. Senior officers believe such probes are often used to test India’s reaction time and readiness before bigger operations are planned. With winter limiting traditional infiltration routes, analysts say Pakistan may increasingly rely on aerial platforms. For now, border forces remain on alert, prepared for repeat incursions and determined to prevent UAVs from becoming a new vulnerability in India’s border security matrix.
