This is the first time that security agencies are grappling with pigeon intrusions in Jammu and Kashmir. Police are not dismissing them as stray incidents.
Pigeons have so far carried messages of peace and love. But in terror-hit Kashmir, even messengers of peace can be made to carry death signals.
State police have caught two pigeons with phone numbers stamped on their tail in Katra-Reasi and Khour area of Jammu region. Police say the pigeons came from the Pakistani side. They crossed the line of control (LoC) and flew into residential areas.
The first pigeon was trapped on Thursday evening at Reasi. The pigeon, which was painted pink and green, was seen flying in Katra area. Police immediately caught the bird. They found two names and phone numbers stamped on its tail.
“There was no chip or camera attached to the bird. It seems that the pigeon had strayed into this area. Pigeon flying is a popular game in Sialkote, Pakistan. This is the season when such games are played in Pakistan,” Gulzar Singh Salathia, deputy inspector general of police, Udhampur-Reasi range, said. Police have started an investigation.
Another bird was spotted in Khour area of Jammu district of Friday morning. A resident of Tatyal village saw the bird. He later caught the pigeon and handed it over to police.
“The white pigeon was painted blue and yellow. It seems the bird had strayed from the Pakistani side. It may have been used for a betting game that is usually played in Pakistan at this time of the year,” Rakesh Akram, station house officer of Khour, said.
This is the first time that security agencies are grappling with pigeon intrusions in Jammu and Kashmir. Police are not dismissing them as stray incidents.
“We are checking whether these numbers were just phone numbers or any code. Our experts are on the job to unravel the mystery. But the conclusion so far is that these birds were used by Pakistanis to play betting games,” a police officer said.
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