SRINAGAR : A pigeon bearing a ring inscribed with what appears to be a Pakistani mobile number was found in a border village in Hiranagar sector of Kathua district, prompting police to launch an inquiry.
Quoting sources, news agency GNS reported that the pigeon was spotted by locals in Chhan Khatriyan village earlier this week. On checking the bird, they found a ring tied to its leg bearing the number 03001717652. The matter was subsequently reported to police, who took the pigeon into their possession.
Police said the matter is being verified and all possibilities are being examined, including whether the pigeon had flown across the International Border. The authenticity of the number and its possible association with a Pakistani telecom operator are also being checked.
Officials said no incriminating material or message was found with the pigeon so far and that no espionage angle has been established at this stage. The possibility of the bird being associated with pigeon racing or fancy rearing has also not been ruled out.
A similar incident was reported from the Maniyari area of Hiranagar in May 2020, when a pigeon carrying a coded ring was found and examined by security agencies.
The latest recovery comes amid heightened alert along the Hiranagar frontier following reports of suspected drone movement in the Bobiyan area on August 23, prompting a search operation.
Police said the inquiry is underway and further details will emerge after examination of the ring and verification of the number.
