J&K Police shot down Pakistani drone carrying magnetic bombs in Kathua
India Today
The J&K Police on Sunday shot down a Pakistani drone carrying magnetic bombs and grenades in Kathua district.
As the terror threat looms large over this year's Amarnath Yatra, a drone was spotted near the India-Pakistan international border on Sunday morning. The drone which came from Pakistan was shot down by J&K Police personnel in the Rajbagh area of Kathua district in Jammu and Kashmir.
A payload of explosives was attached with the hexacopter (drone). Later, a bomb disposal squad reached the spot and carried out the investigations. As many as seven magnetic/sticky bombs and an equal number of UBGL grenades were recovered from the drone.
Foiling the nefarious activities of Pakistan and terrorists, the alert J&K Police personnel averted a possible terror attack.
Speaking to India Today, SSP Kathua RC Kotwal said that the explosives/magnetic bombs could have been smuggled by Pakistan to disrupt the Amarnath Yatra. He said that the police are alert and are carrying out search operations near the border areas.
He added that the police have also launched an awareness campaign for the public where they are being told to remain alert and report any suspicious activity in their area. RC Kotwal said that people and bus drivers have been told to check their vehicles before plying on roads as there is threat of sticky bombs being used by terrorists to disrupt peace.
Earlier this month, a bus with pilgrims onboard caught fire near the town of Katra. At least four people were killed and 22 others were injured. Later, a terror angle emerged in the case. Although investigations are still on, it is suspected that terrorists may have used a sticky bomb to carry out an attack on the bus.
Since Amarnath Yatra is beginning on June 30, there are reports that terrorists may try to target the yatra by using sticky bombs. A series of high-level security related meetings have taken place in J&K in the last 3 weeks. A strategy is being developed to foil possible attempts by terrorists to disrupt the yatra.
