Srinagar, April 25 -- Srinagar- A loud explosion-like sound reported from the remote Paddar Valley in Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar district triggered panic among locals, with plumes of smoke seen rising from a forested hillside, prompting an immediate response from security agencies.

The incident, reported on late Friday night, was initially feared to be an aircraft crash after the sound echoed across multiple villages. However, authorities later clarified that no such crash had taken place, ruling out early speculation that an Indian Air Force aircraft was involved.

The development assumes significance as the blast-like sound was followed by visible smoke in a rugged and sparsely inhabited forest area, raising concerns among locals abo...