Two balloons carrying foreign currency were recovered from a forward village in Jammu’s Akhnoor sector on Monday. Officials said one balloon had a Pakistani ₹5,000 note attached. The other carried a US dollar. White and red aeroplane-shaped balloons were found stuck on a tree in Gunara village. The village lies in the Khour border belt near the International Border.
Moreover, the balloons carried a Pakistani mobile number and a QR code. Officials believe they drifted from the Pakistani side. Although such balloons often land in border areas, foreign currency attachment marks a first. Therefore, security agencies have taken the matter seriously.
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BSF Seizes More Balloons in Samba
Meanwhile, the Border Security Force seized 16 red balloons on Sunday. These balloons crossed over and landed in Ramgarh sector fields in Samba district. Officials said such incidents remain common along the border. However, the currency notes have raised fresh questions. Authorities are examining whether the attachments indicate mischief or propaganda attempts. Consequently, they have begun detailed verification procedures.
In a separate incident, officials recovered a rusted grenade in Dharyalla forest. The area falls under the Nowshera sector of Rajouri district. Security teams secured the site immediately. They conducted precautionary checks in surrounding areas as well. Although no direct link has been established, agencies remain alert. Therefore, patrols have intensified across sensitive sectors.
Similar Balloons Found in December
In December, Himachal Pradesh police detected several balloons marked with “PIA.” Some also displayed the Pakistani flag. Police contacted counterparts in Punjab and Rajasthan for coordination. Additionally, they reached out to Indian Air Force officials. Authorities stated that no suspicious devices were found inside those balloons. They confirmed absence of gadgets, trackers or surveillance tools.
Nevertheless, officials continue to investigate the source of such balloons. They have questioned local vendors regarding possible origins. In Chalet Village under Daulatpur police post, residents reported another aeroplane-shaped balloon. It carried “PIA” markings and landed on a villager’s roof. Police immediately seized the balloon and checked nearby areas. They aimed to rule out any additional suspicious objects.
On December 8, three similar balloons surfaced in Tatehra village. These featured the Pakistani flag and the message “I Love Pakistan.” Furthermore, similar discoveries occurred earlier in Hamirpur and Kangra districts.
Investigation Continues
Despite growing concern, no FIR has been registered so far. However, police continue enquiries and intelligence coordination. Officials stress that balloons drifting across the border remain common. Yet, unusual attachments have prompted enhanced scrutiny. Security agencies are analysing QR codes and mobile numbers. They aim to determine whether any malicious intent exists. For now, authorities maintain heightened vigilance along border districts. Consequently, coordination between agencies continues to strengthen.
