A 17-year-old girl from Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir was detained after crossing the Line of Control into Rajouri’s Nowshera sector. The Indian Army intercepted her during surveillance and handed her over to Nowshera Police for further verification and investigation.
A 17-year-old girl from Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) was detained by the Indian Army after she crossed the Line of Control (LoC) and entered Indian territory in the Nowshera sector of Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri district, officials said.
The incident occurred on Saturday when Army personnel deployed along the LoC detected suspicious movement during routine surveillance in the Lam sector. The troops subsequently intercepted the minor and detained her for preliminary questioning to establish her identity and the circumstances under which she entered Indian territory.
According to officials, the girl has been identified as S. Azeem, daughter of Mohd Azeem, and a resident of Khuiretta in PoJK. Following the initial questioning, the Army handed her over to the local police for further inquiry and verification.
The minor is currently being questioned by the Nowshera Police as authorities seek to determine how and why she crossed the LoC. During preliminary interrogation, she reportedly told authorities that she had inadvertently crossed the Line of Control and entered Indian territory.
Officials said the investigation is continuing and further details will emerge after the completion of the verification process.
The Line of Control is heavily monitored by security forces, with troops using surveillance systems and other measures to detect movement in sensitive areas. When individuals are found to have crossed the LoC, security personnel conduct preliminary questioning before handing them over to the appropriate local authorities for detailed identity verification and background checks.
In cases involving civilians who may have crossed inadvertently, authorities generally examine the circumstances of the crossing to determine whether the entry was accidental. Such incidents can occur when people living close to the LoC lose their way or inadvertently enter territory across the de facto boundary while engaged in activities such as grazing livestock or farming.
Security agencies also assess whether there are any circumstances requiring further investigation before a decision is taken regarding the individual’s repatriation.
The Indian Army has previously dealt with cases involving civilians who inadvertently cross the LoC. After identity and background verification, the concerned authorities may coordinate with their Pakistani counterparts through established communication channels, including military hotlines and flag meetings.
Repatriation, when approved following the completion of investigations and required formalities, is generally carried out through designated crossing points along the LoC. These have included crossing points such as Chakan Da Bagh in Poonch, Kaman Aman Setu in the Uri sector of Baramulla, and the Tithwal and Tangdhar areas, depending on the circumstances and administrative arrangements.
In the present case, authorities are continuing to verify the minor’s identity and account of events. Since she is a juvenile, the police and other concerned authorities are also expected to follow applicable procedures while conducting the inquiry.
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The Army’s interception of the girl highlights the continued surveillance maintained along the LoC in Rajouri and other sensitive sectors of Jammu and Kashmir. Officials said the immediate priority remains establishing the circumstances of the crossing before any further action is taken.
Further details regarding the investigation and possible repatriation of the girl are awaited.
