Indian media aflutter after ‘airplane shaped balloon’ spotted in occupied Kashmir

A balloon in the shape of an airplane has caused a stir on Indian media. According to several media outlets, the balloon has been taken into police custody.

Indian news agency ANI posted on X that an “aircraft-shaped balloon” with “PIA” written on its was found in Rajouri in occupied Kashmir.

“The police team took the object into possession. No electrical or electronic components were found affixed,” the post said, citing police.

The images shared with the post showed a deflated balloon in the shape of a plane and with the words PIA on the sides, ostensibly a reference to Pakistan International Airlines.

The development was also reported by the Hindustan Times, Times of India.

Meanwhile, NDTV also shared the the same on its X account. “Further proceedings underway to determine its origin,” it said.

In 2021, a similar incident had occurred, with authorities in occupied Kashmir seizing a plane-shaped balloon bearing the name of the Pakistan International Airlines. According to the report, the balloon featuring the name, logo and livery colours of the national flag-carrier was found in Sotra Chak village of Hiranagar sector.