Unusual Discovery of Balloons with Currency Near Jammu's LOC
In a surprising find, Jammu and Kashmir police discovered two balloons near the Line of Control, each attached with a Pakistani 5,000 rupee note and a US dollar. This unusual incident has prompted an investigation to determine the authenticity of the currency and the intent behind the balloons, which reportedly carried Pakistani mobile numbers and QR codes. Additionally, the Border Security Force intercepted 16 red balloons from Pakistan, highlighting ongoing security challenges in the region. The use of drones for smuggling by terrorist organizations has also been noted, raising further concerns about border security.
| Feb 23, 2026, 17:19 IST
Balloons Found Near the Line of Control
The Jammu and Kashmir police reported the discovery of two balloons near the Line of Control (LoC) in the Akhnoor sector on Monday. These balloons were found to have a Pakistani 5,000 rupee note and a US dollar attached to them. According to officials, the white and red balloons were entangled in a tree near the Gunara village, close to the Khour border belt.
Details on the Balloons
Pakistani Mobile Numbers and QR Codes Present
Authorities believe that the balloons featured Pakistani mobile numbers and QR codes, suggesting they crossed the international border from Pakistan. Security agencies have initiated an investigation to determine the purpose behind these balloons and to verify whether the currency found is genuine or counterfeit. Officials from the Jammu and Kashmir police stated that they are awaiting further information. While the presence of balloons from Pakistan in border areas is not uncommon, this marks the first instance where foreign currency notes were attached.
BSF Intercepts Balloons from Pakistan
BSF Seizes 16 Red Balloons
In a related incident, Border Security Force (BSF) personnel seized 16 red balloons that had drifted from Pakistan, which were found in fields in the Ramgarh sector of Samba district. On the same evening, a rusted grenade was recovered from the Dhariyala forest area in the Nowshera sector of Rajouri district. Suspicious items have frequently been discovered near the Line of Control in Rajouri and Poonch districts. In addition to balloons, terrorist organizations operating with the support of the Pakistani military have utilized drones to transport weapons, drugs, and cash into Jammu and Kashmir to support terrorism. In several instances, these drones have been intercepted on the ground before terrorists or overground workers could retrieve their payloads.