Civilian movement curbed near LoC in Kathua for 60 days amid crackdowns
Massive raids underway in Doda, Kishtwar, Udhampur, Rajouri & Poonch
#VictimizationOfKashmiris
Jammu: In a fresh wave of restrictions and heightened crackdowns, the authorities in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir have curtailed civilian movement within a five-kilometre radius of the Line of Control in Kathua district for a period of 60 days.
According to Kashmir Media Service, District Magistrate Kathua Rajesh Sharma has imposed the restrictions under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), citing a “sensitive security situation”.
The order applies to the Area of Responsibility stretching from BOP Paharpur Forward to BOP Karol Krishna. The decision has further tightened the already restricted life of LoC residents, who frequently face raids, searches and security operations in the name of maintaining public tranquillity.
As part of the order, movement of heavy vehicles, including trucks, tippers and multi-axle vehicles, has been prohibited on the old Samba–Kathua road between 9:00 PM and 6:00 AM. The directive has come into immediate effect from February 14 and will remain in force for 60 days unless withdrawn earlier.
The District Magistrate stated that due to urgency, prior notice could not be served. Any violation of the restrictions will attract punitive action under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Meanwhile, the military crackdown has deepened across the Doda–Kishtwar belt, where Indian forces have launched intensified raids, searches and poster campaigns. In Doda district, police have pasted posters at strategic locations seeking information about mujahideen. Senior Superintendent of Police Doda, Sandeep Mehta, said search operations have been ongoing for several days in Thathri and adjoining forest areas, with forces remaining on high alert
Indian forces claimed to have busted a hideout in the Chilli forest area of Gandoh. Massive operations are underway in Doda, Kishtwar, Kathua, Udhampur, Rajouri and Poonch districts, following a series of encounters in recent weeks.
Observers say such prolonged restrictions, accompanied by intensified raids and crackdowns in LoC areas, continue to disrupt normal life and add to the hardships faced by local residents.
