Suspected Drones Observed Along International Border in Jammu's Samba District Amid Security Operations

On Monday, suspected drone activity was detected along the International Border in Jammu's Samba district. Meanwhile, a surveillance drone was shot down by armed forces in Punjab's Jalandhar district. The Army reported that the situation remains calm and under control, with no enemy drones currently observed. Earlier, they assured there was no cause for alarm despite the sightings near Samba.

In response to these events, several areas experienced power outages as a precaution. Blackouts occurred in Samba, Kathua, Rajouri, and Jammu. Lights were also turned off at the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine and its surrounding track. These measures followed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address after Operation Sindoor and a meeting between India's and Pakistan's DGMOs.

Drone Activity Along Border

The recent drone activity coincided with escalating tensions in northern districts like Kupwara and Baramulla. Hostilities spread southwards to Rajouri, Poonch, Akhnoor, and Pargwal sectors along the International Border in Jammu district. Five border districts—Baramulla, Kupwara, Poonch, Rajouri, and Jammu—were affected by cross-border firing.

This escalation undermined the ceasefire agreement from February 2021. The agreement has been largely ineffective due to frequent violations by Pakistan along the 740-km-long Line of Control (LoC). Despite these challenges, security forces remain vigilant to maintain peace and stability in the region.

Security Measures in Punjab

In Jalandhar, Deputy Commissioner Himanshu Aggarwal confirmed that a surveillance drone was downed near Mand village around 9:20 pm. An expert team is searching for debris. At 10:45 pm, Aggarwal advised residents to avoid debris and report it to police if found. He noted no drone activity since 10 pm.

Aggarwal urged residents to stay calm and refrain from bursting firecrackers amid reports of such activities in some areas. He mentioned that lights were turned off in parts of Suranassi as a precaution after drone sightings were reported. However, he assured there was no total blackout and nothing to worry about as armed forces remained vigilant.

Ceasefire Agreement Reached

India and Pakistan agreed on Saturday to cease all military actions on land, air, and sea immediately. This decision followed four days of intense cross-border drone and missile strikes that nearly led to full-scale war between the two nations. Punjab shares a 553-kilometre border with Pakistan.

The understanding aims to prevent further escalation and restore peace along the border regions. Both countries are expected to adhere strictly to this agreement to avoid any future conflicts or misunderstandings.

With inputs from PTI