A high-level central team led by Home Secretary Govind Mohan visited Jammu and Kashmir to assess security arrangements ahead of Republic Day, amid increased drone intrusions from Pakistan and reports of terrorist movements. Security forces have responded to multiple sightings by opening fire and conducting searches, while additional measures like bans on adventure activities and VPN use have been imposed.
In Jammu and Kashmir, security agencies are on high alert as Republic Day approaches on January 26. A central team, headed by Home Secretary Govind Mohan, arrived on Wednesday for a two-day review of measures against escalating threats from across the border. The visit comes amid a surge in suspicious activities since January 10, including drone sightings and balloon recoveries.
On Tuesday evening, multiple drones crossed the Line of Control in Rajouri district's Manjakote and Keri sectors. Troops opened fire, forcing the objects to retreat to Pakistan. This followed similar incidents on Sunday, when drones hovered over Kalsian village in Nowshera sector, as well as areas in Kalakote, Mankote in Poonch, and Ramgarh in Samba. Searches along the LoC and international border ensued to detect any dropped items.
Earlier, forces recovered arms from a drone drop near the international border in Samba: two pistols, three magazines, 16 rounds, and a grenade. Aeroplane-shaped balloons from Pakistan were also seized in various locations. India has protested these intrusions to Pakistan, though motives remain unclear.
The team, including Intelligence Bureau Director Tapan Kumar Deka, RAW chief Parag Jain, BSF Director General Praveen Kumar, and CRPF chief G P Singh, met with local officials like Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat at the Convention Centre. Discussions covered drone threats, potential infiltrations under fog cover, and hinterland terrorist movements.
In response, massive combing operations are underway across Jammu province. The administration has banned adventure activities like trekking in the Pir Panjal range and Danwass forests for two months, citing security risks. Additionally, VPN services are prohibited in several districts for the same period, with violations leading to bookings.
