Baramulla admin bans drone operations until Oct 31

Baramulla, Oct 13: The Baramulla District Magistrate, Minga Sherpa, has issued an immediate ban on the flying of drones and other unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) across the district until October 31.

The order follows a communication from the 19 Infantry Division raising security concerns over potential misuse of drones in the Kashmir Valley. The communication, dated September 24, 2025, noted that drones could be used for anti-national activities or against security forces and vital installations during the festive period.

Seeking further input, the district administration consulted SSP Baramulla and SSP Sopore. SSP Baramulla endorsed the concerns and recommended a temporary suspension of all non-essential drone operations. The order clarifies that official drone operations by security forces, CAPF, or govt departments are allowed only after prior intimation to authorities. Executive Magistrates and police have been directed to ensure strict compliance and take legal action against violators.