The Jammu and Kashmir Police in Baramulla on Monday said that trekking would not be allowed in the Tangmarg forest areas without prior permission. The restrictions were imposed after an incident of unauthorised trekking in the Danwas forest was reported earlier this month, officials said.
According to security experts, unauthorised trekking poses serious security threats and safety risks for people undertaking treks in the forest and mountainous areas. There is always a risk of armed confrontations between security forces combing forest areas and terrorists hiding in such terrain.
On Monday, police officials advised residents and tourists planning to enter upper forest reaches to avoid taking unauthorised treks, obtain prior permission from the relevant authorities in advance and strictly adhere to guidelines.
The advisory stated that for non-local tourists, entry into and trekking in the upper forest reaches are strictly prohibited under all circumstances.
Further, officials said the restrictions have been put in place as precautionary measures to prevent any untoward incident and to maintain peace in these security-sensitive forests.
Meanwhile, multiple forest ranges in Jammu and Kashmir remain infested with terrorist activities, including areas in South Kashmir (Kulgam, Anantnag) and the Pir Panjal region (Rajouri, Poonch, Ramban, Reasi, and Budgam).
Key security-sensitive forests also include wildlife sanctuaries like Dachigam, Tral, and Thajwas, which are hotbeds for counter-insurgency operations due to terrorist hideouts, infiltration routes, and ecological significance, necessitating intensified patrols by the Army, Police, and CRPF.
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