Srinagar

Security forces on Tuesday recovered an air balloon bearing the inscription of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) from Kupwara district of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said.

The balloon was found lodged atop a tree in an orchard at Naugam village in the Handwara area of Kupwara district, which lies close to the Line of Control (LoC) in north Kashmir.

In a separate incident, security personnel also seized a Pakistani flag tied to several balloons from Khadinyar in Baramulla district, officials added. Baramulla is also located near the LoC.

Following the recoveries, security agencies, including the police, launched investigations to ascertain the origin of the balloons and the circumstances under which they crossed into Indian territory.

READ MORE: India has made Christmas carols its own over time

Officials said both incidents are being treated seriously given the sensitive location of the recoveries and the proximity of the areas to the LoC.