Srinagar, IndiaIndian authorities in Jammu and Kashmir have seized a balloon adorned with the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) logo in the Poonch district, marking yet another peculiar border-related incident in the region.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the balloon, featuring the name, logo, and livery colors of Pakistan’s national flag-carrier, was discovered in the Tain Mankote area of the Mendhar sector in Poonch district by the Indian Army. The authorities have stated that the balloon is currently in the possession of the Army for necessary assessment.
This incident is part of a series of unusual occurrences involving objects and animals in border areas. In 2015, a pigeon was detained by Indian forces for crossing the border into the Pathankot area. More recently, in May of last year, the Indian Border Security Forces (BSF) claimed to have captured a Pakistani spy pigeon and handed it over to police in occupied Kashmir. The pigeon’s Pakistani owner later denied any allegations of espionage.
These incidents have often been met with media attention and public humor, sometimes leading to criticism of the Indian media’s portrayal of border security issues.