The wings of a 'spy' pigeon taken into custody by Indian police earlier in October have been clipped, an Indian Punjab police official told The Telegraph India on Wednesday.

The 'spy' pigeon was found carrying what officials said was a warning note to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi near the heavily-militarised border as Pak-India tensions simmered following the Uri attack, subsequent ceasefire violations and an Indian 'surgical strike' ─ a claim Pakistan has rejected.

The captured pigeon in a cage. ─ Photo courtesy PTI
The captured pigeon in a cage. ─ Photo courtesy PTI

The note in Urdu reportedly read, "'Modi, we're not the same people from 1971. Now each and every child is ready to fight against India', according to Pathankot police inspector Rakesh Kumar.

"The wings of the pigeon have been clipped to ensure the suspected spy does not fly back to Pakistan," a senior Punjab police official told The Telegraph.

"We have sent a preliminary report to the Union home ministry, including an X-ray report of the bird which did not reveal anything suspicious," the official said.

Indian police display the captured pigeon in a cage. ─ Photo courtesy ANI Twitter
Indian police display the captured pigeon in a cage. ─ Photo courtesy ANI Twitter

An inspector at the Bamial police station said the wings were clipped last week with the help of a veterinary worker. "We didn't want to take a chance. We also bought a cage for its stay," he said.

The bird was taken to an animal husbandry hospital in Pathankot and caged.

"We don't know how long the pigeon will stay in the police station. Residents are flocking to the police station to see the intruder," the Bamial police inspector said. He added that the police were not sure whether the bird had even come from across the border.

Another official remarked that the pigeon was female and not male as assumed earlier. "The only thing we know for sure is that it was a female pigeon," the official said.

Opinion

Editorial

First steps
Updated 29 May, 2024

First steps

One hopes that this small change will pave the way for bigger things.
Rafah inferno
29 May, 2024

Rafah inferno

THE level of barbarity witnessed in Sunday’s Israeli air strike targeting a refugee camp in Rafah is shocking even...
On a whim
29 May, 2024

On a whim

THE sudden declaration of May 28 as a public holiday to observe Youm-i-Takbeer — the anniversary of Pakistan’s...
Afghan puzzle
Updated 28 May, 2024

Afghan puzzle

Unless these elements are neutralised, it will not be possible to have the upper hand over terrorist groups.
Attacking minorities
28 May, 2024

Attacking minorities

Mobs turn into executioners due to the authorities’ helplessness before these elements.
Persistent scourge
28 May, 2024

Persistent scourge

THE challenge of polio in Pakistan has reached a new nadir, drawing grave concerns from the Technical Advisory Group...