ISLAMABAD: Data retrieved from a spy drone shot down earlier this month near the Line of Control (LOC) by Pakistani forces provides irrefutable evidence that it was flown by the Indian Army, the military said on Monday.
The military released the details of downed Indian 'spy drone' on Monday, stressing that it was sent for reconnaissance inside the Pakistani side of LOC.
"An Indian drone (Quadcopter) mission was flown on July 15, 2015, by India in which it intruded from Indian Occupied Kashmir(IOK) Jaurian Sector and was flying over Own Banchirian Sector (near Bhimber), when it was shot down by Pakistani troops," Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in first ever detailed statement following the incident.
Know more: Indian drone downed near LoC
According to ISPR spokesman, an image retrieved from the quadcopter proves that after the purchase of this quadcopter it was taken inside ASCOM office (an Indian telecommunications company).
ISPR said another pre-flight picture indicates presence of an Indian soldier (can be identified from Indian uniform) standing in the vicinity of quadcopter.
“Irrefutable forensic evidence obtained from the quadcopter, now available with the Pakistan Army, also gives out geographical histogram about locations traversed by quadcopter between July 8 to 15, 2015, and these can be verified by any independent sources,” the ISPR spokesman asserted.
Also read: 'Spy pigeon' detained in India after crossing border from Pakistan
It was asserted by the military that an image, probably taken before test flight of the quadcopter upon its arrival in forward areas, indicates company headquarters of the Indian Sector.
The image taken by the quadcopter immediately after flight from a post shows an Indian flag which proves that it started its flight from Indian post, ISPR stated.
“Other pictures give full aerial view of the Indian Post and also reveal full view of Indian side of LOC,” the military said.
Visuals retrieved from the quadcopter indicate it flew from Indian post (Indian flag visible).
“Initially it kept flying close to the LOC and carried on its surveillance facing towards the Pakistani side, then it crossed over LOC and pictured a Pakistani post (Pakistani flag marginally visible),” said the ISPR statement.
The ISPR said that since June 9, 2015, 35 ceasefire violations have been committed by Indian troops.
"India is exhibiting aggressive posturing through enhanced movement of troops, extensive reconnaissance, targeting of civilians and increased use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and Drones violating airspace of Pakistan," ISPR said.
