Security clampdown: Outdoor activities banned in Kashmir’s Kokernag
As winter tourism is peaking across different parts of the Kashmir valley, the security agencies have heightened vigil across tourist hot spots to prevent any terror strike targeting holidaymakers.
At the same time, the security forces are reviewing security measures based on regular intelligence inputs to ensure an incident-free stay of tourists in the region.
On Friday, the Union Territory administration imposed a ban on trekking, hiking, camping and other outdoor activities in the high-altitude and forest areas of Kokernag due to “security concerns”. The decision followed reports received from police and security agencies about rising threats in certain high-altitude and forested areas falling within the jurisdiction of the Kokernag sub-division. The order issued by Sub-divisional Magistrate Prince Kumar said, “In recent incidents, certain persons attempted to cross police checkpoints during late-night hours, thereby raising serious concerns regarding public safety.” Unrestricted movement of individuals in these areas could “adversely affect public safety and security,” Kumar said in the order. “Therefore, in exercise of the powers under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, I hereby order that trekking, camping, hiking and similar outdoor activities are hereby prohibited in the areas of Margan Top, Chauhar Nag and Sinthan, with immediate effect,” the order said.
The station house officer of Larnoo shall ensure strict implementation of the order and monitor movements at all the checkpoints, it said, adding that the general public should strictly comply with the order, with any violation subject to legal action.
The order shall remain in force for two months from the date of issuance, unless withdrawn earlier or extended as per the law, the order said. Meanwhile, the Senior Superintendent of Police, Jammu district, on Friday chaired a meeting of the Multi-Agency Centre (SMAC) to bolster security and intelligence collaboration. According to a police spokesman, during the meeting, a comprehensive discussion was held on the current security landscape, particularly in view of recent inputs of constant efforts by Anti-National Elements (ANEs) to disturb peace & normalcy in the region. Senior police and intelligence officers shared their suggestions and assessments, with a primary focus on formulating joint strategies for efficient ground monitoring in the run-up to the Republic Day celebrations.
SSP Jammu Joginder Singh emphasised the need for a unified approach to maintain the district’s peaceful atmosphere.
