Civilian movement restricted for 60 days near Kathua Working Boundary

JAMMU: Authorities in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir have announced new restrictions on civilian movement within a five-kilometre zone surrounding the Working Boundary in Kathua district, effective for 60 days.

Kashmir Media Service reported that District Magistrate Kathua, Rajesh Sharma, issued the order under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), citing what officials described as a “sensitive security situation.”

The restrictions cover the Area of Responsibility from BOP Paharpur Forward to BOP Karol Krishna. Residents of the Working Boundary, who already face frequent raids, security checks, and operations under the pretext of maintaining public order, will experience further limitations on daily life.

Under the order, the movement of heavy vehicles, including trucks, tippers, and multi-axle vehicles, is banned on the old Samba–Kathua road from 9:00 PM to 6:00 AM. The directive came into force on February 14 and will remain active for 60 days unless authorities decide to lift it sooner.

The District Magistrate noted that the urgent nature of the situation prevented prior notice. Violations of the restrictions will incur penalties under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

Separately, security operations have intensified across the Doda–Kishtwar region. Indian forces have conducted extensive raids, searches, and poster campaigns.

In Doda district, police have placed posters in key locations requesting information on mujahideen. Senior Superintendent of Police Doda, Sandeep Mehta, stated that search operations have been ongoing for several days in Thathri and surrounding forested areas, with personnel maintaining high alert.

Security officials reported discovering a hideout in the Chilli forest area of Gandoh. Large-scale operations are continuing in Doda, Kishtwar, Kathua, Udhampur, Rajouri, and Poonch districts, following a series of recent encounters.

Analysts say that prolonged restrictions combined with intensified raids and crackdowns in Line of Control regions continue to disrupt normal life and impose significant hardships on local communities.