As part of the tightened security measures, the authorities have banned the operation of drones and other flying objects in light of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s day-long visit here on 20 February.
District Magistrate, Jammu, Sachin Kumar Vaishya, responding to intelligence reports highlighting potential security threats, has issued a comprehensive order under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code, 1973.
The order has come into effect immediately and shall continue till 20 February. The order imposes restrictions on the operation of drones, remote-controlled microlight aircraft, paragliders, paramotors, hand gliders, and hot air balloons within the district.
Notably, these precautionary measures are in place to counter possible activities by terrorist and anti-national elements.
Exceptions to the ban include aerial surveillance conducted by security forces during the PM’s visit or with specific written permission from the District Magistrate’s office. Defence and paramilitary forces are exempted from these restrictions.
Violation of this order is subject to punitive action under section 188 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, the DM warned.
Besides addressing a massive public meeting, Modi will inaugurate the state-of-the-art AIIMS, IIM, and several other projects. He will also lay the foundation for a couple of projects.
The IIM campus has been built on 200 acres of land at a cost of Rs 500.91 crore. The campus reflects IIM Jammu’s commitment to providing world-class infrastructure conducive to the holistic development of students. The new campus has been completed in record time, boasting state-of-the-art facilities, including smart classrooms and “Nalanda”, a modern library, fostering an environment of academic pursuit and innovation, the IIM spokesman said.
Security has been tightened across the Jammu region and paramilitary forces are keeping vigil on the border with Pakistan.
Steps have been taken to counter any mischief by Pakistan that last week sent quadcopters over the Indian territory at two places in the Poonch district.
Lt Governor Manoj Sinha is keeping an eye on the security arrangements.
DGP RR Swain and top officers of the police and paramilitary forces are constantly reviewing the security situation.
BSF personnel are reportedly minutely examining the places on the border where in the past some time cross-border tunnels were detected. These tunnels, dug by Pakistani agencies, were used for infiltration of terrorists and pushing drugs, arms and ammunition.
Meanwhile, BJP leaders and activists are busy mobilising people for Modi’s public meeting at the Maulana Azad Memorial Stadium here. However, the party leadership is worried about the forecast of rain and bad weather conditions for the next three days.