Jammu, Jan 10: A suspicious pigeon was apprehended from a forward village near the Line of Control (LoC) in Akhnoor sector on Saturday morning, triggering security concerns along the sensitive border area, officials said.
The pale grey-colored pigeon, bearing distinctive black bars on each wing, was caught by a 13-year-old boy named Aryan in Kharah village, located close to the international border. The bird was found carrying red and yellow rings attached to its legs, inscribed with the names ‘Rehmat Sarkar’ and ‘Rizwan 2025’ followed by certain numerical codes, raising immediate suspicion among local residents and security agencies.
According to officials, the wings of the pigeon were also found to be stamped, which further aroused suspicion about its origin and purpose. The markings and rings suggested that the bird may have been deliberately sent across the border, possibly for surveillance or carrying coded messages.
“The boy spotted the pigeon in the morning and noticed the unusual rings and markings on it. Sensing something suspicious, he caught the bird and informed his family, who immediately alerted the local authorities,” officials said.
The pigeon was promptly handed over to Pallanwala police station for detailed investigation and further examination. Police sources indicated that the bird would be thoroughly examined by security experts to determine whether it was being used for any nefarious purposes.
This is not the first instance of suspicious pigeons being caught near the border areas of Jammu and Kashmir. Over the years, security forces have detained several birds found carrying rings, stamps, or other unusual markings near the LoC and International Border, suspecting their potential use for cross-border espionage or communication.
Security agencies maintain heightened vigilance along the border regions, especially in forward villages like Kharah, which are located in close proximity to Pakistani territory. Any unusual activity, including the movement of birds with suspicious markings, is taken seriously and investigated thoroughly.
Officials said that forensic examination and intelligence analysis would be conducted to trace the origin of the pigeon and ascertain whether it poses any security threat. The rings and stamps on the bird could provide crucial clues about its handlers and intended purpose.
The Akhnoor sector, located about 30 kilometers from Jammu city, has been a sensitive area along the LoC, with security forces maintaining round-the-clock surveillance to prevent infiltration attempts and other cross-border activities.
Locals in border villages have been repeatedly urged to remain alert and report any suspicious objects, persons, or activities to security forces immediately. The cooperation of border residents has proved crucial in several instances in detecting potential security threats.
Authorities stated that the investigation is currently underway, and further details would emerge after a comprehensive examination of the pigeon and the materials found on it. Security measures in the area continue to remain on high alert as part of routine border management protocols.
