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J&K Bans Trekking & Camping in Kokernag Amid Security Crackdown

Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag district have prohibited all trekking, camping, and hiking activities in the high-altitude Kokernag area, citing serious security concerns. The order specifically bans these outdoor pursuits in Margan Top, Chauher Nag, and Sinthan Top with immediate effect for two months. This restriction comes amid ongoing large-scale joint anti-terror operations targeting terrorists and their support networks in the region's higher reaches. The directive warns that violations will invite legal action, with police tasked to ensure strict enforcement at checkpoints.

Key Points: J&K Kokernag Trekking Ban: Security Order Details

  • Trekking banned in Margan Top, Chauher Nag, Sinthan Top
  • Order cites security concerns & checkpoint violations
  • Strict enforcement for 2 months
  • Part of wider anti-terror operations in Jammu
2 min read

Trekking, camping & hiking prohibited in J&K's Kokernag

J&K authorities ban trekking, camping & hiking in Kokernag's high-altitude areas for 2 months citing security risks. Read the official order details.

"unrestricted movement and activities... are likely to adversely affect public safety and security - Kokernag SDM Order"

Srinagar, Jan 2

Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag district on Friday prohibited trekking, camping, hiking and similar outdoor activities in high altitude and forested areas ok Kokernag, citing "security reasons".

An order issued by the Kokernag SDM cited recent incidents, where "certain persons have attempted to cross naka/checkpoints during late night hours thereby raising serious security concerns relating to public safety", and that "unrestricted movement and activities like trekking, camping, hiking and similar outdoor pursuits in the areas of Margan Top, Chauher Nag and Sinthan Top are likely to adversely affect public safety and security".

"Now, therefore, I Prince Kumar, Kokernag Sub-Divisional Magistrate, in exercise of powers conferred upon me under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sinhita (BNSS), 2023, hereby order as under: Trekking, camping, hiking and all other similar outdoor activities are prohibited in the area of Margan Top, Chauher Nag and Sinthan Top with immediate effect."

The Larnoo Station House Officer shall ensure strict implementation of this order and regulate movement of naka/checkpoints, the SDM order said, adding that "the general public is directed to strictly comply with this order. Any violation shall invite action as per law".

"The order shall remain in force for a period of two months from the date of issuance unless withdrawn earlier or extended as per law," the SDM order added.

The order comes as joint security forces are carrying out large anti-terror operations in the higher reaches of Poonch, Rajouri, and Kishtwar districts of Jammu division.

The Valley is connected with the Kishtwar district through the Sinthan Top in the Kokernag area.

The joint operations are targeting terrorists, their overground workers (OGWs) and sympathisers.

This coordinated approach is aimed at dismantling the complete support system of terrorism rather than going after just the gun-wielding terrorists.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Understandable, but also disappointing for the local guides and homestays who depend on tourism. Hope the authorities provide some support or alternative arrangements for them during this period. The economy of these areas is fragile.
R
Rohit P
Who tries to cross checkpoints at night? That's just asking for trouble and ruining it for everyone. These restrictions are because of such irresponsible people. Our forces are doing a tough job, let's not make it harder.
S
Sarah B
As someone who trekked Sinthan Top last year, it's heartbreaking to hear. But reading about the anti-terror ops puts things in perspective. A complete ban seems harsh though. Couldn't there be a regulated permit system with proper vetting?
V
Vikram M
The order cites BNSS 2023. Good to see the new laws being implemented proactively for security. This coordinated approach to dismantle the support system is the right strategy. Short-term pain for long-term peace in the valley.
M
Michael C
Respectfully, while security is paramount, a blanket prohibition affects genuine adventure tourists and paints the entire region with the same brush. Transparency about the specific threats would help the public understand better.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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