Restrictions imposed in Gund Khwaja Qasim, Kanterbugh villages for 28th Safar observance

Baramulla, Aug 22: Authorities in Baramulla on Thursday ordered restrictions in Gund Khwaja Qasim and Kanterbugh villages and adjoining areas of Singhpora, Sub Division Pattan, in view of the observance of 28th Safar, to maintain peace and order.

As per District Magistrate Baramulla, Minga Sherpa, Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS)-2023 has been invoked, prohibiting assembly of four or more persons, processions, carrying of firearms, and use of loudspeakers without prior permission. The restrictions will remain in force from 8:30 PM on August 22 till 9:30 PM on August 23, 2025.

The order followed inputs from police and civil administration highlighting possible law-and-order issues if gatherings were allowed. Officials cited previous instances of confrontations between rival groups leading to FIRs being lodged at Police Stations Pattan and Magam.

Reports from the Senior Superintendent of Police, Baramulla, and Sub Divisional Magistrates of Pattan and Magam recommended maintaining status quo in the area. The Principal District and Sessions Court Baramulla had also directed that gatherings on the 28th of Safar not be permitted to avoid disturbances.

The District Magistrate said the restrictions are precautionary in nature, aimed at preventing any imminent danger to life and property while ensuring peace and communal harmony in the area. (KNC)