Why are trekking, camping & hiking banned in J&K's Kokernag?
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Synopsis
Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag district have announced a ban on outdoor activities like trekking and camping in Kokernag due to security concerns. This decision follows attempts by individuals to breach safety checkpoints, aiming to ensure public safety in sensitive areas.
Key Takeaways
- Ban on outdoor activities: Trekking, camping, and hiking prohibited in Kokernag.
- Security concerns: Recent attempts to breach safety checkpoints triggered the ban.
- Duration: The order is effective for two months unless modified.
- Compliance: Strict adherence to the order is mandated.
- Public safety: The ban aims to enhance security in vulnerable areas.
Srinagar, Jan 2 (NationPress) In a significant move, authorities in the Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir have placed a ban on trekking, camping, hiking, and other similar outdoor activities in the elevated and wooded regions of Kokernag, citing security concerns.
The directive issued by the Kokernag Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) pointed to recent events where individuals attempted to breach naka/checkpoints during late-night hours, thereby escalating serious public safety concerns. The SDM stated that unrestricted activities like trekking, camping, and hiking in the areas of Margan Top, Chauher Nag, and Sinthan Top could pose risks to public safety and security.
“Thus, I, Prince Kumar, Kokernag SDM, exercising the powers vested in me under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sinhita (BNSS), 2023, hereby declare that all forms of outdoor activities including trekking, camping, and hiking in the Margan Top, Chauher Nag, and Sinthan Top areas are prohibited effective immediately,” the order stated.
The Larnoo Station House Officer is tasked with ensuring strict compliance with this order and regulating the movements at naka/checkpoints. The SDM's directive emphasized that the public must adhere to this order, with legal action to be taken against any violations.
This prohibition will remain in effect for two months from the issuance date unless modified earlier or extended as per legal provisions.
This decision comes in the wake of joint security forces conducting extensive anti-terror operations in the higher terrains of Poonch, Rajouri, and Kishtwar districts within the Jammu division.
The Valley is linked to Kishtwar district via Sinthan Top in the Kokernag region. These coordinated efforts aim to target terrorists, their overground workers (OGWs), and sympathizers, focusing on dismantling the entire support structure of terrorism rather than simply targeting armed terrorists.
Point of View
The decision to prohibit trekking, camping, and hiking in Kokernag is a necessary measure to ensure the safety of the public in an area facing security challenges. While outdoor activities are vital for tourism and local economy, the authorities must prioritize public safety and security in light of recent incidents.
NationPress
09/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why has trekking been banned in Kokernag?
Trekking has been banned in Kokernag due to security concerns following incidents of individuals attempting to breach safety checkpoints during late-night hours.
How long will the ban on outdoor activities last?
The ban will remain in effect for two months from the issuance date unless modified or extended as per legal provisions.
What areas are affected by this ban?
The ban affects high-altitude and forested areas including Margan Top, Chauher Nag, and Sinthan Top.
Who is responsible for enforcing this ban?
The Larnoo Station House Officer is tasked with ensuring compliance and regulating movements at checkpoints.
What are the consequences of violating the ban?
Violating the ban could result in legal action as per the law.
