Jammu, January 19, 2026. Security agencies in the Jammu region were alarmed when a suspicious balloon, shaped like a Pakistani aircraft, was found. The balloon was spotted in an open area, after which local residents immediately informed the administration and security forces. Given the incident, the area was cordoned off and investigative agencies arrived at the scene with full alertness.
A balloon shaped like a Pakistani plane was found in an open field in village Kachariyal, under the Pallanwala police post in the Khour sector of Jammu on Monday. The white and green balloon has PIA, or Pakistan International Airlines, written on it.
Local residents were the first to spot the balloon and informed the police. Official sources stated that after completing the initial investigation, the balloon was handed over to the Pallanwala police post for further action.
Meanwhile, in Kishtwar, the search for terrorists continues for the second consecutive day. This has been named Operation Trashi-1. The army had halted the operation late Sunday night due to the difficult terrain of dense forests and steep slopes.
Due to the winter season, visibility in the area had also decreased. The encounter between security forces and terrorists began on Sunday in Sonar village near Mandral-Singhpura in the Chatroo belt. In this, 8 soldiers were injured. The terrorists had attacked with grenades, the shrapnel of which hit the soldiers.
Swift Action by Security Agencies
Upon receiving the information, the army, police, and bomb disposal squad were called to the spot. The balloon was carefully secured and an intensive search of the surrounding area was conducted. The initial investigation did not confirm any explosives, but the agencies are examining it from every angle before declaring it completely safe.
Such Incidents Have Occurred Before
This is not the first time such a suspicious object has been found in the Jammu-Kashmir region. Incidents of drones, balloons, and unknown objects being found in border areas have been reported before. In many cases, these have been used to send narcotics, weapons, or surveillance equipment, which is why security agencies take any incident seriously.
Investigation Ongoing, Alert Level Increased
Security agencies have increased surveillance across the entire area and are trying to determine through technical investigation whether the balloon came from across the border or was released by some other means. Considering the case sensitive from a national security perspective, all aspects are being investigated.
Kachariyal
“Kachariyal” refers to the ancient ruins of the Dimasa Kachari Kingdom, located near Dimapur in the Indian state of Nagaland. These remnants, dating roughly from the 10th to the 13th centuries, consist of mushroom-shaped pillars and are believed to have been part of a royal palace or ceremonial site. The site reflects the historical power and architectural skill of the Kachari people before their kingdom declined in the 19th century.
Pallanwala police post
The Pallanwala police post is a small security checkpoint located near the volatile Line of Control (LoC) in the Jammu region of India. It gained historical significance during the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War, where it was the site of a notable battle and was heavily damaged. Today, it remains a functional post in a sensitive border area, symbolizing the ongoing military tensions in the region.
Khour sector
The “Khour sector” is not a widely recognized or specific historical or cultural site in available global references. It may refer to a localized administrative or geographical area, possibly in a region like India or Pakistan, but without more precise context, its history and significance cannot be reliably summarized.
Kishtwar
Kishtwar is a scenic town and district in the Jammu division of Jammu and Kashmir, India, known for its rugged mountains, rivers, and saffron cultivation. Historically, it was part of the Chenab Valley’s ancient trade routes and was a significant principality under local rulers before coming under the Dogra Kingdom in the 19th century. Today, it is also recognized for its Hindu pilgrimage site, the Sarthal Devi Temple, and its emerging status as an adventure tourism destination.
Sonar village
Sonar village, also known as Sonargaon, is a historic administrative and commercial capital of the medieval Bengal region, located in present-day Bangladesh. It flourished from the 13th to the 17th centuries under the rule of the Deva, Sultanate, and Mughal periods, becoming a renowned center for muslin trade. Today, its ruins, including the Panam City area, serve as an important archaeological site and museum showcasing the region’s rich cultural heritage.
Mandral-Singhpura
I am unable to find any verifiable historical or cultural information on a place or site named “Mandral-Singhpura.” It is possible the name is misspelled, refers to a very localized or lesser-known area, or is a combination of names from different places. To provide an accurate summary, could you please double-check the spelling or provide any additional context?
Chatroo belt
The “Chatroo belt” refers to the traditional handwoven woolen girdle worn by men in the Kashmir region, particularly by the pastoral Gujjar and Bakarwal communities. Historically, these belts have been crafted for centuries using a simple loom, serving both as a practical garment to secure the traditional *pheran* (robe) and as a cultural symbol. The patterns and colors often signify the wearer’s tribal identity and social status.
Jammu-Kashmir region
The Jammu-Kashmir region is a historically significant area in northern India, known for its diverse cultures and stunning Himalayan landscapes. It has been a crossroads of civilizations and a center of Hindu, Buddhist, and Islamic heritage, with a complex modern history marked by the partition of British India in 1947 and ongoing territorial disputes. Today, the Indian-administered union territory is renowned for destinations like Srinagar, Ladakh’s monasteries, and the pilgrimage sites of Jammu.
