Indian forces launch search operation in Poonch after alleged drone sighting
Jammu: on in the Mendhar sector of Poonch district of Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) on Saturday after a drone was allegedly spotted hovering in an area near the Line of Control (LoC).
According to Kashmir Media Service, the drone was reportedly observed hovering over Behrooti village in the Balakote area late Friday evening. Officials claimed that it later moved towards the Mangalnar-Dabrote side near the LoC before returning to the Pakistani side.
Indian Army troops subsequently intensified surveillance in the area, while a search operation was launched at first light on Saturday to ascertain whether the drone had dropped or carried any suspicious material, officials said. The search operation was continuing till last reports came in.
Pertinently, Indian forces’ personnel frequently carry out cordon and search operations and raids across IIOJK under various pretexts, subjecting Kashmiri civilians to harassment and intimidation. Drone sightings are also routinely invoked to portray the indigenous Kashmir freedom struggle as being externally sponsored.
Such tactics are part of the BJP-led Indian government’s broader efforts to crush the Kashmiris’ legitimate struggle for their UN-recognized right to self-determination. However, despite decades of coercive measures, New Delhi has failed to undermine the Kashmiri people’s demand for their inalienable right and will continue to face resistance to its illegal occupation.
