Amid anti-terror ops, authorities ban trekking in parts of south Kashmir

Amid intensified anti-militancy operations in the snowbound mountains of Kishtwar and Doda districts, authorities have imposed a ban on trekking and other outdoor activities in several high-altitude areas of South Kashmir, citing security concerns. The prohibited zones in South Kashmir are connected to the mountainous regions of Doda and Kishtwar in the Jammu region, where security forces have scaled up counter-terrorism operations to track Pakistan-trained militants believed to be seeking winter hideouts.

Officials said trekking, camping, hiking, and similar outdoor activities have been banned with immediate effect in select high-altitude areas due to heightened security threats.

In Kishtwar and Doda districts, the Army has intensified technology-backed operations during Chillai Kalan—the harshest 40-day phase of the Kashmir winter. Sources said the expanded operational footprint aims to restrict militant movement and confine them to snowbound terrain.

In recent past, militants have reportedly shifted their operational focus from the Kashmir Valley to the dense mountainous forests of the Jammu region, triggering a rise in deadly attacks and prompting security agencies to recalibrate their counter-insurgency strategy.

On Friday, the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Kokernag in Anantnag district issued an order stating that police and security agencies had provided inputs regarding “security concerns in certain high-altitude and forested areas” under the jurisdiction of Sub-Division Kokernag.

The order also referred to recent incidents in which “certain persons attempted to cross police naka/check-points during late night hours,” raising serious concerns about public safety.

It said that unrestricted movement and activities such as trekking, camping, hiking, and similar outdoor pursuits in Margan Top, Chauhar Nag, and Sinthan Top could adversely affect public safety and security.

“Now, therefore, I, Prince Kumar, Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Kokernag, in exercise of the powers conferred upon me under Section 163 of the BNSS, 2023, hereby order that trekking, camping, hiking and all similar outdoor activities are prohibited in the areas of Margan Top, Chauhar Nag and Sinthan Top with immediate effect,” the order stated.

The order further directed the Station House Officer, Larnoo, to ensure strict implementation of the directive and regulate movement at all naka and check-points.

“The general public is directed to strictly comply with this order. Any violation shall invite action as per law,” it said, adding that the ban will remain in force for two months from the date of issuance unless withdrawn earlier or extended as per legal provisions.

This marks the second such restriction imposed this week. Earlier, the Jammu and Kashmir Police issued an advisory banning trekking in the upper forest areas of Tangmarg in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district. The police directed local residents to obtain prior permission from local authorities and inform the police before entering upper forest areas. For non-local tourists, entry and trekking in the upper forest reaches were declared strictly prohibited.

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Courtesy: The Tribune -03-Jan-2026