ISLAMABAD: A loud explosion and rising smoke from a forest area in Kishtwar district of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) triggered widespread panic on Friday, with the Indian Air Force moving quickly to deny reports of a downed aircraft.
Local outlets reported panic in the Padder area of Kishtwar, a remote, mountainous district in the southern part of the territory.
"There are certain media outlets and social media handles claiming that an IAF aircraft has crashed near Kishtwar. This report is false," an Indian Air Force spokesperson said, as reported by several Indian news outlets. The spokesperson added, "All media outlets are requested to verify information from official sources before publishing or transmitting."
According to Hindustan Times, the sound was heard across the forest belt of Padder, where residents reported seeing heavy smoke billowing from the woods.
Several local news outlet covered the story, with the Gulistan News Channel sharing video footage on its Facebook page showing thick plumes of smoke rising from dense woodland. It described an "explosion-like sound" that sent residents into a panic.
Similarly, Greater Kashmir reported smoke rising from the forest following the blast, while Jammu Diaries posted a breaking update stating the cause had not yet been confirmed. It reported that locals suspected either unspecified activity in the area or a possible aircraft-related incident.
Several local news outlets previously reported that Indian authorities had conducted a mock air raid and blackout drill in Kishtwar just a day earlier. It reportedly involved sirens and simulated emergency responses, which may have heightened local sensitivity to unusual sights and sounds in the area.
Independent, on-the-ground verification from the region remains severely restricted. Digital directives issued in IIOJK in April 2026, including a Social Media Usage Policy, have placed strict monitoring controls on online content. Such measures significantly limit the free flow of information out of the occupied territory.
