A 22-year-old man from Pakistan-administered Kashmir (PAK) was apprehended after crossing the Line of Control in the Uri sector of north Kashmir, and investigators say a social media relationship may have prompted his risky journey.
The man, identified as Zeeshan Mir of Muzaffarabad, was intercepted by army personnel after entering Indian territory, officials said. Security agencies are investigating the circumstances and verifying his account.
Officials said Mir had faced personal and financial pressures at home, including family demands to earn a living and contribute to household expenses. Investigators described Mir as “deeply distressed” during questioning and said he had been struggling with depression amid domestic tensions.
During that period, officials said, Mir connected on Snapchat with Irum Bano, a resident of Tulwari village in Uri. The online interaction developed into a close emotional bond, especially after the two learned that Mir’s ancestors originally came from the same border village where Bano lives.
Mir shared his personal struggles with Bano, who encouraged him to seek a different future, officials said. Investigators said the two discussed a plan for Mir to cross the Line of Control and surrender to the army. Mir believed he would serve any sentence for illegal entry and then try to reclaim ancestral property before settling permanently in Jammu and Kashmir.
Mir crossed the LoC on Saturday night but was intercepted before he could proceed further, officials said. After his apprehension, Bano was also questioned to verify his account. She appealed to the army and local administration for leniency, asking that Mir be allowed to remain in India rather than be deported.
Security agencies continue to verify the narrative and rule out external influence or manipulation before deciding on legal action.
The army’s Srinagar-based Chinar Corps confirmed the apprehension in a post on X, stating that troops exercised restraint. “A POJK intruder has been apprehended, who was intercepted by alert Chinar Warriors while crossing the Line of Control in Uri Sector. The vigilant troops maintained restraint while challenging the intruder and surgically apprehended the individual. Intruder handed over to JKP for further legal proceedings,” the post said. The individual was handed over to Jammu and Kashmir Police for further proceedings.
POJK intruder Apprehended
A POJK intruder has been apprehended, who was intercepted by alert Chinar Warriors while crossing the Line of Control in Uri Sector. The vigilant troops maintained restraint while challenging the intruder and surgically apprehended the individual.… pic.twitter.com/RPax4IUbAB
— Chinar Corps🍁 – Indian Army (@ChinarcorpsIA) May 31, 2026
Many families in border districts have relatives in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, and cross-LoC marriages have historically been common in several frontier areas. The investigation remains ongoing.
