Balloons Carrying US, Pakistani Currency Found Near LoC In J&K’s Akhnoor, Probe Underway

Two balloons carrying US and Pakistani currency notes were found near the Line of Control (LoC) in the Akhnoor sector of Jammu and Kashmir, police said on Monday.

Security agencies are now investigating the matter to understand where the balloons came from and whether the currency attached to them is genuine or fake.

According to Jammu and Kashmir Police, an inquiry has been started and the recovered currency notes are being examined. Officials are trying to find out if the balloons were used for any suspicious activity or if they crossed into Indian territory by accident.

Investigation Into Currency and Intent

Police officials said they are checking whether the notes attached to the balloons are real or counterfeit. This will help determine if the incident is linked to any illegal activity such as fake currency circulation or cross-border mischief.

Security forces are also trying to trace the origin of the balloons and understand how they reached near the LoC, which is a sensitive border area between India and Pakistan.

Similar Incident Reported in Agra

This development comes just a day after another unusual incident was reported from Uttar Pradesh's Agra. A balloon with the name of Pakistan International Airlines printed on it was found inside a technical area of an Indian Air Force station.

Police said the balloon was shaped like an aircraft and was coloured green and white. A thread was attached to it, but no suspicious device or material was found. Following a complaint from the Indian Air Force, a case was registered at Shahganj police station on February 12, and an investigation was launched.

Officials confirmed that the balloon did not carry any harmful object, but the matter is still being examined due to the sensitive nature of the location.

Increase in Drone Sightings Near Border

Security agencies have been on alert after several drone intrusions were reported earlier this year. In January, drones suspected to have come from across the border were spotted in Rajasthan's Jaisalmer district and in parts of Jammu and Kashmir on January 11 and 12.

Such drone sightings have raised concerns among security forces about possible surveillance or smuggling attempts across the border.

Army Issues Warning Over Border Activities

The Chief of Army Staff had earlier warned about drone intrusions during the Indian Army's annual press conference. He said that Pakistan's military authorities were asked to control such activities and prevent any violations along the border.

The Army chief also stated that while the situation in Jammu and Kashmir remains sensitive, it is firmly under control and security forces are fully alert.

Ceasefire Violation in Kupwara

Meanwhile, officials reported a ceasefire violation along the LoC in Kupwara district of Jammu and Kashmir last week. Firing was reported from across the border in the Nowgam sector when posts from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir opened small-arms fire on Indian positions.

The firing stopped after some time, and no casualties or injuries were reported. Security forces continue to monitor the situation closely.

With multiple incidents involving balloons, drones and ceasefire violations being reported in recent weeks, security agencies are maintaining high alert along the border areas. Investigations into the latest balloon recovery near the LoC are ongoing, and officials say all possibilities are being examined to ensure national security is not compromised.