Jammu, February 14 – To protect the lives of villagers living near the international border from cross-border firing, the District Magistrate in Kathua district, Jammu and Kashmir, imposed restrictions on movement within 5 km of the border on Saturday.
An order issued by Rajesh Sharma, District Magistrate, Kathua, stated on Saturday, "Whereas, the security situation in the border areas has become sensitive, and there is a possibility of cross-border firing at any time. Movement in border areas needs to be restricted to ensure the utmost safety of the villagers and to prevent any anti-national activities."
Sharma further stated that to prevent such activities in the border areas, "I am satisfied that there are sufficient grounds for proceedings under Section 163 of the Ranbir Penal Code (RPC) for immediate prevention of danger to human life and disturbance to public tranquility, and it is necessary to impose restrictions to restrict unnecessary movement in border areas."
"Therefore, I, Rajesh Sharma, JKAS, District Magistrate, Kathua, in exercise of the powers vested in me under Section 163 of the RPC, do hereby restrict unnecessary movement in the border area, which is a strip of 5 km from the International Border, in the area of responsibility of the Unit, i.e., from BOP (Border Outpost) Paharpur forward to BOP (Border Outpost) Karol Krishna between. Moreover, the movement of heavy vehicles, including trucks, tippers, and multi-axle vehicles, is prohibited on the old Samba-Kathua road from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m."
He said that the order would come into effect from Saturday and would remain in effect for a period of sixty days from the date of its issuance, or if rescinded, whichever is earlier.
"Since it is not possible to serve prior notice of this order, it is being issued ex parte and addressed to the public in general. Any violation of this order will invite punitive action under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita," the order said.
It should be mentioned that during tension on the international border in J&K, restrictions are imposed in areas very close to the border so that civilians living in these areas do not become victims of Pakistani shelling/firing.