Security agencies in Jammu and Kashmir have launched an investigation after a balloon carrying pro-Pakistan slogans was recovered in Samba district, just days after a similar object was found in neighbouring Kathua. The back-to-back incidents have raised fresh concerns among local authorities and security forces about possible cross-border mischief or psychological operations.
According to sources, the latest balloon was discovered in the Nandpur area of Samba district. The balloon reportedly had the slogan “Pakistan Zindabad” written in Urdu, making it immediately suspicious. Local residents noticed the object lying in the area and promptly informed the police, who then alerted security agencies. Personnel reached the spot, secured the balloon, and took it into custody for further examination.
Officials said an investigation is underway to determine where the balloon originated from and how it managed to cross into Indian territory. Forensic and technical checks are expected to be carried out to assess whether the balloon was launched intentionally as part of a propaganda effort or if it drifted across due to weather conditions.
Earlier, a similar incident was reported from the Rajbagh area of Kathua district, where another balloon marked with the letters “PIA” was recovered. In that case too, locals spotted the suspicious object in an open area and informed authorities. The police seized the balloon and sent it for analysis to understand its purpose and possible links.
The recovery of these balloons has come amid heightened vigilance along the Line of Control (LoC) and the International Border (IB). On Sunday evening, security agencies reported multiple sightings of suspected Pakistani drones in different parts of Jammu and Kashmir, triggering a high alert in forward areas.
According to sources, a drone-like object was spotted around 6:35 pm in Khabbar village of Teryath in Rajouri district. Witnesses, including locals and security personnel, said the object was flying at a low altitude and had a blinking white light, a feature commonly associated with surveillance drones.
The aerial object was reportedly seen entering Indian airspace from Dharmsal village in Kalakote tehsil. It then moved in a south-west to north-east direction before heading towards the Bharakh area in Reasi district. The movement pattern raised suspicions of possible reconnaissance activity.
Defence sources confirmed that multiple drones were sighted along the Line of Control during the evening hours. The Indian Army immediately activated counter-unmanned aerial system (counter-UAS) measures. Following these actions, the drones reportedly retreated back towards the Pakistani side.
Security experts believe that the recovery of balloons carrying slogans and the simultaneous drone sightings could be part of an attempt to test India’s border security or spread propaganda. While officials have not officially linked the two developments, the timing has prompted increased surveillance and patrolling across sensitive border regions.
Authorities have urged citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious objects or activities to the police or security forces immediately. Investigations into both the balloon recoveries and drone sightings are ongoing, and officials said further details would be shared once more clarity emerges.