A cross-border social media friendship took an unexpected turn after a young man from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) crossed into Indian territory to meet a woman from Uri in Jammu and Kashmir.
Security forces intercepted him soon after he crossed the Line of Control (LoC), triggering an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
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Detained after crossing the Line of Control
Troops reportedly spotted a man approaching from across the Line of Control (LoC) in the Silikote area of Uri at around 9:30 am on Sunday. He was detained shortly after entering the Indian side, according to NDTV.
During questioning, the man identified himself as Zeeshan Ahmad Mir, son of Lal Din Mir and a resident of Painkadi in Muzaffarabad, Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Officials said he was carrying a Pakistani identity card that confirmed his identity.
Social media connection led to a risky journey
Zeeshan told security personnel that he had crossed the LoC to meet a woman from Uri, identified as Iram Bano. According to officials, the two met through social media and remained in contact over time.
"Zeeshan told security personnel that he had crossed the LoC to meet his girlfriend from Uri, identified as Iram Bano, whom he had met on social media," the report said. Officials are now examining the nature of their communication and verifying the claims made during questioning, as per NDTV reports.
Investigators are also reviewing digital exchanges between the two as part of the ongoing inquiry. Security agencies are trying to establish the background of the woman and determine whether there are any other factors linked to the border crossing.
Authorities question both individuals
Officials said both Zeeshan and the woman he claimed to have come to meet are being questioned by security agencies. Authorities have not yet reached a final conclusion regarding the motive behind the crossing.
Reports quoting officials said the pair had developed a bond online, with their conversations eventually leading Zeeshan to attempt the highly risky journey across one of the world's most heavily monitored borders.
A separate exfiltration attempt was also intercepted
In a separate development, security forces intercepted three men from Sopore who were allegedly attempting to cross into Pakistan-occupied Kashmir through the Hathlanga-Nambla route during the intervening night of Saturday and Sunday.
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Officials identified them as Adil Hussain Dar, Ishfaq Ahmad and Jaffar Ahmad. Authorities said all three are currently being questioned as agencies try to determine their motive and examine possible links to others.
The investigation into both incidents is continuing, with security agencies gathering further details and verifying all claims made during questioning.
