17-year-old PoJK girl crosses LoC in Rajouri, handed over to J&K Police

A 17-year-old girl from Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) was apprehended by the Indian Army after she allegedly crossed the Line of Control (LoC) and entered Indian territory in Rajouri district, officials said on Saturday.

According to officials, Army personnel deployed in the Lam sector of Nowshera detected suspicious movement near the LoC during routine surveillance. Troops subsequently intercepted the girl and detained her for preliminary questioning.

The minor was identified as S. Azeem, daughter of Mohd Azeem and a resident of Khuiretta in PoJK, officials said.

Following the initial questioning, the Army handed her over to the local police for further inquiry. She is currently being questioned by Nowshera Police to establish the circumstances surrounding her entry into Indian territory.

During preliminary questioning, the girl reportedly told authorities that she had inadvertently crossed the LoC.

Officials said the investigation is continuing and further details are awaited.

People who inadvertently cross the LoC are generally taken into custody for identity verification and preliminary questioning before being handed over to the local police or other security agencies for further checks.

Authorities examine whether the crossing was accidental, including circumstances such as a person losing their way while grazing livestock or working in fields, or whether there were other reasons for the entry.

In cases where the crossing is established to have been inadvertent, the Indian side coordinates with Pakistani authorities through established communication channels for repatriation at designated crossing points.

The latest incident comes amid heightened security and surveillance along the LoC, where troops use surveillance systems to monitor movement and respond to suspected crossings.

Further details about the girl’s repatriation will be known after the ongoing inquiry is completed.