Examiner Bureau | Kathua:
Security forces detected the movement of a suspected drone in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kathua district on Sunday, prompting an immediate search operation in the area amid heightened vigilance along the International Border.
According to available information, security agencies observed the drone for nearly five minutes. Following the sighting, security personnel launched a search operation across the surrounding areas to trace the suspected unmanned aerial vehicle and determine its origin and movement.
The incident comes amid increased concern over drone activity along the Jammu region’s border areas. A suspected Pakistani drone incursion was also reported along the International Border in neighbouring Samba district on January 15, when drones were reportedly sighted near Keso Mahansan village in the Ramgarh sector. Authorities subsequently sounded a high alert and initiated countermeasures.
The latest sighting in Kathua has prompted security agencies to intensify surveillance and maintain a close watch on vulnerable stretches along the border. Further details regarding the nature of the drone and whether it crossed into Indian territory were not immediately available.
Meanwhile, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi has previously warned Pakistan over recent unmanned aerial vehicle sightings along the Line of Control, stating that India has put Islamabad “on notice” regarding such activity.
Addressing his annual press conference, General Dwivedi said India had conveyed to Pakistan through Director General of Military Operations-level talks that drone activity along the border was unacceptable. He said the Indian Army had asked Pakistan to rein in such drone movements and stressed that the force remained fully alert and prepared to respond to any future security challenge.
Referring to recent drone sightings in Jammu and Kashmir, the Army chief said the UAVs appeared to be small, defensive drones that may have been deployed to monitor or assess Indian activity across the border.
The recurring sightings have added to security concerns along the International Border and the Line of Control, with security agencies continuing to strengthen surveillance and counter-drone measures across sensitive areas of Jammu and Kashmir.
