Heightened vigil along borders, use of drones banned in Leh

Troops of Indian Army and Border Security Force (BSF) have strengthened vigil along the Line of Control (LoC) and International Border (IB) after India said that it targeted Air Defence Radars at different locations in Pakistan.

With the threat of possible retaliation by Pakistan looming on vital installations, the security forces have strengthened the security grid along borders. Sources informed that the security forces were ready to deal with any kind of a challenge “posing threat to the sovereignty of the country”.

Jammu region shares LoC with Pakistan in Rajouri and Poonch and IB in Jammu, Samba and Kathua districts. Drone activity has been common in areas along the borders during which many UAVs have been downed by the Indian side in the past.

In June 2021, Pakistan used drones to drop IEDs on the Indian Airforce Station in Jammu. Meanwhile, Leh Deputy Commissioner Santosh Sukhadeve in an order stated “credible inputs and security concerns have been received regarding the potential misuse of drones and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) by anti-national elements”.

The Leh administration issued immediate orders on Thursday afternoon in which it banned flying or operation of drones or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV).

“In view of the likelihood of threats to public safety, security installations, and the general public, the Superintendent of Police, Leh, has requested for issuing orders prohibiting flying of drones/UAVs by the general public/tourists,” stated Leh DC .

The order read that any person who observes any drone or UAV flying in violation of this order shall immediately report the same to the Police Control Room. “Any violation of this order shall attract strict legal action under relevant laws,” it read.