What Violations Have Srinagar Hotels and Houseboats Committed Under Foreigners Norms?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Srinagar Police has taken strict legal actions against several accommodations.
- Violations pertain to Form-C reporting under the Immigration & Foreigners Act.
- Multiple hotels and houseboats were implicated during routine checks.
- Ongoing investigations aim to establish further connections.
- Compliance with regulations is critical for national security.
Srinagar, Dec 8 (NationPress) Legal actions have been initiated against numerous hotels, homestays, and houseboats in Srinagar for breaching the Immigration and Foreigners Act, as announced by the police on Monday.
To enhance security measures in the city, Srinagar Police has implemented strict legal actions against various accommodations for failing to comply with the essential Form-C reporting regulations mandated by the Immigration & Foreigners Act, according to a police communiqué.
During routine inspections of hotels, homestays, and houseboats, several establishments were discovered to be in violation of the Immigration & Foreigners Act:
In the Rajbagh area, it was found that Hotel Blossoms, Hotel Grand MS, and Hotel Golden Forest permitted foreign nationals to check in without submitting Form-C to the Foreigners Registration Office (FRO). Consequently, FIR No. 65/2025 U/S 8 & 23-B of the Immigration & Foreigners Act was lodged at the Rajbagh Police Station.
“In the Khanyar area, Hotel Khyber, situated in Khayam, also violated Form-C reporting stipulations. Despite repeated directives, the management did not provide any evidence of Form-C submission, leading to FIR No. 57/2025 being registered under the relevant legal provisions at Khanyar Police Station.
“In the Lal Bazar area, IMY Home Stay, located in Nowabagh Bagwanpora and owned by Mohammad Aslam Baktoo, was found operating without Form-C compliance for Mr. Starobinsky Lior, a foreign national from Israel, among others. The management deliberately concealed the presence of the foreign guest and neglected to submit the required online Form-C. Consequently, FIR No. 60/2025 U/S 8 and 23(b) of the Immigration & Foreigners Act was filed at Lal Bazar Police Station.
“In the Nishat area, a house owner, Mohammad Ashraf Zargar, was found non-compliant with mandatory Form C reporting to the FRO. An FIR No. 101/2025 U/S 8-23(b) of the Immigration and Foreigners Act was filed at Nishat Police Station.
“In the RamMunshi Bagh area, several houseboats, including Floating Castle, owned by Farooq Ahmad Guroo, were found violating reporting norms. Other houseboats such as Best View, Crystal Palace, and Lake Palace were also implicated for failing to comply with mandatory reporting rules. FIR No. 94/2025 U/S 7, 14, and 16 of the Immigration and Foreigners Act was registered in RM Bagh Police Station.
The police have stated that further investigations are ongoing to identify both forward and backward linkages.
Srinagar Police emphasizes that all hotels, guest houses, houseboats, and homestay operators must adhere strictly to Form-C submission regulations when hosting foreign nationals. Non-compliance is a serious offense that will lead to stringent legal repercussions. Srinagar Police is dedicated to ensuring the security and integrity of the nation while safeguarding citizens from activities detrimental to peace and public order,” the statement concluded.