The District Magistrate of Poonch in Jammu and Kashmir has imposed a ban on activities like trekking, camping, and hiking in forested regions of the district due to security concerns. The order highlighted the risks posed by difficult terrain, adverse weather conditions, and unforeseen hazards to public safety. The prohibition applies to all high altitude areas of Poonch district with immediate effect, except for individuals with prior written permission for official purposes.
The order exempts security forces, emergency and essential services, and government officials on official duty from the ban. Violators of the order will face legal action as per relevant laws. The Senior Superintendent of Police in Poonch has been tasked with enforcing the order and regulating movement at checkpoints. A similar directive was also issued by the District Magistrate of Kulgam in the Valley for high-altitude and forested areas in the Kokernag sub-division.
The ban comes in the backdrop of intensified anti-terrorist operations conducted by the J&K Police and security forces in the high-altitude, densely forested areas of the union territory.
