Srinagar- Security forces in Jammu and Kashmir have stepped up vigilance along the International Border (IB) and the Line of Control (LoC) following a series of incidents that have raised concerns over cross-border smuggling and other hostile activities, officials said.

The heightened alert is aimed at strengthening border security and preventing any infiltration attempts or ceasefire violations, particularly during the ongoing holiday period. Sensitive frontier areas in north Kashmir, including Gurez, Uri, Karnah and Tangdhar, as well as key sectors in the Jammu region, have been placed under intensified monitoring.

Along the IB, Border Security Force personnel are conducting round-the-clock patrolling, backed by digital surveillance and other precautionary measures. Officials said troops have been directed to maintain strict dominance over vulnerable stretches and remain prepared to respond swiftly to any security challenge.

Officials said that the increased deployment follows recent recoveries linked to cross-border smuggling. In one such incident, the Border Security Force recovered an arms and ammunition consignment dropped by a Pakistani drone near the IB in Samba district.

The packet, found in the Regal forward area during routine surveillance, contained two pistols, three magazines, 16 rounds of ammunition and a grenade. A BSF spokesperson said the consignment was suspected to have been intended to fuel disruptive activities in the border belt, adding that its timely recovery averted a potential security threat. Additional surveillance measures have since been put in place.

In another incident, a suspicious pigeon was caught in the forward village of Kharah in the Akhnoor sector close to the LoC. The pale grey bird, bearing red and yellow rings on its legs inscribed with “Rehmat Sarkar” and “Rizwan 2025”, was found by a 13-year-old local boy. Officials said markings were also found on the bird’s wings. The pigeon has been handed over to Pallanwala police for further investigation.

Meanwhile, Jammu Police have continued their crackdown on narco-terror networks under Operation Sanjeevani. Officials said Rohit Kumar alias Makhan, a key accused, was arrested on January 3 in R.S. Pura, leading to the recovery of a pistol, a magazine and live rounds from his residence.

Police said investigations are underway to trace the cross-border and inter-state links involved in the supply of arms and narcotics, as security agencies maintain heightened alertness along the border.