Borders on Alert: Movement Restricted Amid Cross-Border Tensions

The Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir has announced movement restrictions in a five-kilometer belt along the International Border, due to heightened security concerns. The directive, issued by District Magistrate Rajesh Sharma, aims to protect villagers from potential cross-border firing and prevent anti-national activities.

District Magistrate Sharma exercised powers under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) to enforce these restrictions, highlighting the urgent need to maintain public order and safety. The security situation in the border areas has become sensitive, necessitating restriction on movement to safeguard lives.

The restrictions, effective from February 14 for 60 days, also include a ban on heavy vehicles on the old Samba–Kathua road during nighttime. Sharma noted that the revised order extends the restricted zone from two to five kilometers from the International Border, in continuation of previous measures.