Jammu, Feb 14: Amid heightened security concerns along the International Border (IB), the District Magistrate Kathua has issued fresh orders limiting non-essential movement in a 5-kilometre strip adjacent to the border.
According to the details available, District Magistrate Rajesh Sharma invoked Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) to enforce these preventive measures, aimed at averting risks to public safety, countering potential cross-border shelling, and blocking any anti-national elements.
Pertinently, the order highlights the fragile security environment in the border region, where sporadic firing from across the border remains a credible threat.
To prioritize the protection of local residents and maintain peace, unnecessary travel has been curtailed in the specified zone under the Border Security Force (BSF)’s jurisdiction, stretching from Border Outpost (BOP) Paharpur to BOP Karol Krishna.
Additionally, the movement of heavy vehicles—such as trucks, tippers, and multi-axle carriers—has been banned on the old Samba–Kathua road from 9 pm to 6 am to further reduce vulnerabilities during nighttime hours.
These curbs took effect immediately on February 14, 2026, and will continue for the next 60 days, or until withdrawn sooner. Violations could lead to legal consequences under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.Speaking to reporters, DM Sharma clarified that this is a renewal and update of previous restrictions, which had lapsed on the same day.
The key change involves expanding the restricted belt from the earlier 2 km to the current 5 km, reflecting an assessment of ongoing sensitivities in the area.
The measure underscores the administration’s proactive approach to safeguarding border villages amid persistent cross-border tensions—(KNO)
