Srinagar, Jan 2 || Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag district on Friday prohibited trekking, camping, hiking and similar outdoor activities in high altitude and forested areas ok Kokernag, citing "security reasons".
An order issued by the Kokernag SDM cited recent incidents, where "certain persons have attempted to cross naka/checkpoints during late night hours thereby raising serious security concerns relating to public safety", and that "unrestricted movement and activities like trekking, camping, hiking and similar outdoor pursuits in the areas of Margan Top, Chauher Nag and Sinthan Top are likely to adversely affect public safety and security".
"Now, therefore, I Prince Kumar, Kokernag Sub-Divisional Magistrate, in exercise of powers conferred upon me under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sinhita (BNSS), 2023, hereby order as under: Trekking, camping, hiking and all other similar outdoor activities are prohibited in the area of Margan Top, Chauher Nag and Sinthan Top with immediate effect."