Security forces in Jammu and Kashmir were put on high alert following the sighting of five suspected Pakistani drones near the Line of Control (LoC) in the border districts of Samba, Rajouri, and Poonch on Sunday evening. These drone activities are being interpreted as clear signs of attempted infiltration and potential nefarious intentions within Indian territory. The Indian Army promptly responded with counter-firing and has launched extensive search operations across these sensitive areas. This incident occurs at a critical juncture, as the nation prepares for its Republic Day celebrations, with security agencies already on heightened alert. The repeated incursions underscore the persistent threat posed by cross-border activities.
Drone Activity in Rajouri Sector
According to a report by news agency PTI, two distinct drone incidents were recorded in the Rajouri district, highlighting the intensity of Pakistani activities in the region. Indian troops deployed in the Nowshera Sector observed a drone hovering over Gania-Kalsian village around 6:35 PM. Recognizing this suspicious activity, army personnel immediately opened fire with medium and light machine guns in an attempt to repel the drone. Shortly after, another drone was spotted at 6:35 PM in Khabbar village, located in the Teryath area of Rajouri. This drone reportedly approached from the direction of Dharamsal village in Kalakote and then proceeded towards Bharkh. These continuous sightings have Notably escalated security concerns in the region, prompting the army to maintain an elevated state of vigilance, while
Drones Also Spotted in Samba and Poonch
Beyond Rajouri, suspicious drone-like objects were also observed in the Samba and Poonch districts, indicating that Pakistan is attempting infiltration on multiple fronts. In Samba's Ramgarh Sector, a drone-like object was seen hovering for several minutes over Chak Babral village around 7:15 PM, prompting increased vigilance among local security forces.
Similarly, in Poonch district's Mankote Sector, another drone-like object was observed moving from Tain towards Topa at 6:25 PM. All these incidents collectively underscore Pakistan's persistent attempts to infiltrate Indian territory, utilizing drone technology as a primary means. This poses a serious security challenge that the Indian Army and other security agencies are actively addressing.
Security Forces' Counter-Action and Search Operations
Following these suspicious drone movements, Indian security forces took immediate and decisive action. While troops in Rajouri engaged the drones with gunfire, extensive search operations have been initiated in the forward areas of all three districts. The primary objective of these operations is to ascertain whether any weapons, ammunition, or narcotics were dropped by these drones, or if any infiltration attempts were made. Security forces are diligently searching for any suspicious objects or individuals to ensure the nation's security and to thwart any malicious designs. The comprehensive search aims to neutralize any potential threats posed by these aerial incursions.
Pakistan's Malicious Intentions
Security agencies strongly suspect that Pakistan is employing these drones for multiple sinister purposes. These include reconnaissance of Indian army positions along the border, dropping weapons and ammunition for terrorists, and smuggling narcotics, while on January 9, a consignment of weapons was recovered in Palura village of Ghagwal, near the International Border (IB) in Samba, which had been dropped by a drone originating from Pakistan. This consignment included 2 pistols, three magazines, 16 rounds, and one grenade. This incident corroborates previous attempts by Pakistan to supply weapons via drones and highlights its continuously hostile activities along the border.
High Alert Ahead of Republic Day
With the upcoming Republic Day celebrations, security agencies across the country are already on high alert, while such drone activities heighten the concerns of security agencies, as terrorist organizations may attempt to create unrest before major national events. Security forces are maintaining strict vigilance in border areas and are fully prepared to prevent any untoward incidents. Border surveillance has been intensified, and every suspicious activity is being. Closely monitored to ensure the internal security of the nation remains uncompromised.
Operation Sindoor and its Relevance
In the context of these drone incursions, the mention of 'Operation Sindoor' becomes highly relevant. This was an Indian military operation launched on May 7, 2025. Under this operation, surgical strikes and air strikes were conducted on terrorist bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), while the operation was initiated in response to the Pahalgam terrorist attack on April 22, 2025, which resulted in 26 fatalities. Within approximately 25 minutes, nine Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba strongholds in Pakistan, including Bahawalpur and Muridke, were successfully targeted and destroyed. This operation demonstrated India's resolve and its zero-tolerance policy against terrorism.
Operation Sindoor: Paused, Not Over
Recently, during an event in Pune, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Anil Chauhan clarified that Operation Sindoor isn't over; it has merely been paused. He warned that if Pakistan attempts any terrorist attacks or infiltration, Operation Sindoor would be reactivated. The current drone activities suggest that Pakistan isn't refraining from its nefarious acts, and thus, the possibility of reactivating Operation Sindoor remains, while the Indian Army is fully committed to defending the nation's sovereignty and security and is prepared to face any challenge, ensuring that the country's borders remain secure.
