JAMMU — Authorities in Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday imposed restrictions on unnecessary movement within a five-kilometre belt along the International Border, citing the possibility of cross-border firing and the need to prevent anti-national activities and safeguard villagers.
Kathua District Magistrate Rajesh Sharma issued the order under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), which empowers executive magistrates to take preventive measures in urgent cases of apprehended danger to maintain public order and safety.
The order stated that the security situation in the border areas had become sensitive, with the possibility of cross-border firing at any time. Movement in these areas needs to be restricted to ensure the safety of villagers and prevent anti-national activities, it said.
Sharma said he was satisfied that there were sufficient grounds to initiate the order for the immediate prevention of danger to human life and disturbance to public tranquillity.
In exercise of the powers vested under Section 163 of the BNSS, the district magistrate restricted unnecessary movement in a five-kilometre strip from the International Border falling within the area of responsibility of the Border Security Force (BSF), from BOP (Border Outpost) Paharpur forward to BOP Karol Krishna.
He also prohibited the movement of heavy vehicles, including trucks, tippers and multi-axle vehicles, on the old Samba–Kathua road between 9 pm and 6 am.
The restrictions came into force from February 14 and will remain in effect for 60 days unless rescinded earlier. Any violation will invite action under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, it added.
When contacted by PTI, Sharma said the order was a continuation of earlier restrictions, with the only modification being the extension of the restricted zone from two kilometres to five kilometres from the International Border.
The earlier order expired on Saturday, following which a revised order was issued with certain changes, he added. — (PTI)