Security beefed up in Jammu

Jammu, Feb 19: Enveloped by a thick security blanket, while Jammu city and adjoining areas have been put on high alert, Jammu district has been declared “No-fly zone” which means “temporary Red zone” for drones and quadcopters ahead of the visit of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is arriving tomorrow.

The directions related to drones and quadcopters were issued by the SSP Jammu by virtue of Section 22(2) of notification of the Ministry of Civil Aviation regarding Drone Rules-2021.

“Jammu police has declared Jammu district “No fly zone (temporary Red Zone)” for drones and quadcopters with effect from February 19, 2024 from 6 pm (1800 hours) to February 20, 2024 till 11 pm (2300 hours),” read the order.

“Whereas, in lieu of provision containing in Rule 49 of Drone Rules 2021, police can take cognizance of the contravention of Rule 22 and Rule 27 of Drone Rules 2021, which are cognizable and non-compoundable,” SSP Jammu said.

Earlier, District Magistrate Jammu Sachin Kumar Vaishya had ordered a temporary ban on the use of drones, paragliders and remote controlled micro-light aircrafts as a precautionary measure to counter possible activities by the terrorists and anti-national elements. He had issued an order under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code in the backdrop of intelligence reports highlighting potential security threats.

Aerial surveillance conducted by the security forces during the VVIP visits or with specific written permission from the district magistrate’s office were exempted. “Defence and paramilitary forces are exempted from these restrictions. Violation of this order is subject to punitive action under section 188 of the Indian Penal Code,” the order read.

With multiple layers of security across Jammu city and adjoining areas, the venue of the rally M A Stadium has been turned into a fortress. Taken over by the security agencies, it was fully sanitised.

Security alert was sounded in the border areas as well.

With regard to traffic diversions, an elaborate drill was carried out today in the form of “dry run” from airport to rally venue. 48 locations were identified for parking of the vehicles. A detailed advisory was issued for the general public participating in the public rally.

As per the advisory issued by SSP Security, entry for participants coming from district Kathua, Samba, South Jammu across Tawi river, some areas of Udhampur-Reasi-Doda- Kishtwar-Ramban districts will be from Dogra Chowk side, main gate of MA Stadium. Entry of participants coming from Jammu North, district Rajouri- Poonch, Udhampur-Reasi-Doda- Kishtwar-Ramban districts will be from GGM Science College Jammu.

The people have been asked to carry identity proof in the form of Aadhar card, Election card or Pan card or any other ID proof; cooperate during frisking and park vehicles in the parking slots as per the parking slots identified or earmarked by civil administration and Traffic Police.

People have been asked not to carry any bag, tiffin boxes, other eatables, water bottles, cameras, weapons, ammunition, sharp edge articles, inflammable material, cigarettes, match boxes, lighters, umbrellas, any objectionable flag, any electronic gadgets etc.