A pigeon bearing a ring inscribed with what appears to be a Pakistani mobile number has been found in a border village in the Hiranagar sector of Kathua district in Jammu and Kashmir, prompting security agencies to launch a detailed inquiry.
The police said they are verifying whether the bird was being used for cross-border messaging, a tactic suspected to have been used in the past.
A ring tied to its leg had a number resembling a Pakistani mobile code, following which police informed intelligence agencies and an investigation was launched. In the past, BSF and J&K Police have recovered pigeons with Pakistani stamps, coded messages and wire-like antennas. Security agencies are examining if the birds are being used for espionage, smuggling of narcotics or to test the response mechanism of border forces. “The bird has been taken into custody. All agencies have been informed.
In 2020, a pigeon with a ring bearing a Pakistani number was captured in Manyari village of Hiranagar. In 2016 and 2018, birds were recovered in RS Pura and Akhnoor sectors in similar instances.
Sources said the bird was spotted by locals in Chhan Khatriyan village last evening and was later handed over to the police. The police said they are verifying whether the bird was being used for cross-border messaging, a tactic suspected to have been used in the past. We are investigating all angles,” said a senior officer.
