Pakistani National Apprehended Near Poonch Line of Control; Second Intrusion in Two Days

A Pakistani national was apprehended by security forces near the Line of Control (LoC) in the Balakote sector of Poonch district on Sunday, marking the second such incident in the area within two days. Officials identified the man as 31-year-old Rayees Khan, son of Mohammad Yaqoob Khan and a resident of Haveli district in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). He was intercepted by soldiers after allegedly crossing the LoC and was subsequently taken into custody for further investigation.

According to officials, an initial search of the suspect did not lead to the recovery of any incriminating material. Security personnel later handed him over to the Jammu and Kashmir Police, where he is currently being questioned by multiple security and intelligence agencies. Investigators are trying to determine whether the border crossing was accidental or intentional and are examining all possible motives behind the incident.

The latest apprehension comes just two days after another Pakistani national, 26-year-old Mohammad Sajad, was arrested in the Gulpur area of the Krishna Ghati sector in Poonch. He was also intercepted by troops after crossing the Line of Control and was subsequently handed over to the police for detailed questioning. Authorities have not yet disclosed the findings of the investigation into that case.

Also Read: Security Strengthened As Police Launch Project Hawk Eye For Amarnath Yatra Route

Officials also referred to an earlier incident on June 9, when a 14-year-old boy identified as Javid Ali crossed into Indian territory in the same region. After verification and following established procedures, the teenager was handed back to Pakistan about a week later. Such incidents are generally investigated thoroughly before authorities determine the appropriate course of action.

The back-to-back arrests in the Balakote and Gulpur sectors have prompted security agencies to heighten surveillance along the Line of Control. While preliminary assessments suggest that some crossings may be inadvertent, officials said they are also examining the possibility of espionage, reconnaissance activities or attempts to test security arrangements along the sensitive border.

A senior security official said enhanced vigilance and strengthened deployment along the Line of Control enabled troops to detect and intercept the intruders before any potential security breach could occur. Authorities have stressed that investigations into the latest case are continuing, and further action will depend on the findings of the ongoing interrogation and intelligence assessment.

Also Read: NIA Chargesheet Reveals Pahalgam Terror Plot Was Active Week Before April 2025 Attack