Jammu, Oct 3: A suspected Pakistani woman was apprehended by the Indian Army near the Line of Control (LoC) in the Nowshera sector of Rajouri district and later handed over to the police for further investigation, officials said on Friday.
According to officials, Army personnel deployed in the Lam area of Nowshera noticed the movement of a woman in the forward belt close to the LoC during routine surveillance. The troops intercepted her and took her into custody for questioning.
The woman was identified as Samiya Azeem (17), daughter of Mohammad Azeem and a resident of Khuiretta in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK).
Officials said the Army conducted preliminary questioning before handing her over to the Nowshera Police for further investigation. Security and intelligence agencies have also joined the probe to ascertain the circumstances under which she was found in the area.
During initial questioning, Samiya reportedly claimed that she had inadvertently crossed into the Indian side. However, officials said her statement is being verified and all aspects of the case are being thoroughly examined as part of standard security procedures.
The apprehension assumes significance as security forces remain on high alert along the LoC amid persistent attempts by Pakistan-based terror groups to infiltrate terrorists into Jammu and Kashmir. Intelligence agencies have repeatedly flagged the presence of terrorists waiting across launch pads along the border, prompting security forces to maintain a strong anti-infiltration posture. Officials said the Army’s alert deployment and round-the-clock surveillance have helped foil several infiltration bids this year, and the latest incident is also being viewed through the prism of prevailing security challenges along the border. Further investigation is underway.