The Kashmir Pulse

KARGIL — In preparation for Kargil Vijay Diwas 2024 and the scheduled visit of VVIPs to Drass on July 25 and 26, District Magistrate Shrikant Balasaheb Suse has imposed a ban on the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) within the Drass sub-division and Kargil tehsil. As per the officer, this order aims to mitigate any potential security risks to high-profile visitors.

The decision, formalized under Order No. 11 of 2024 and dated July 23, 2024, declares the aforementioned areas as "No Flying Zones" and "Red Zones" under the Drone Rules 2021. The directive comes as a response to a request from the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kargil, who cited security concerns associated with drone usage during the important commemorative event.

Effective from July 24 through July 26, 2024, the order explicitly prohibits the operation of drones by the general public. Exceptions are made for security agencies, including police, paramilitary forces, the Special Protection Group (SPG), and defence forces.

District Magistrate Suse said that it has been enacted ex-parte due to the emergent nature of the situation and the limited timeframe.

Meanwhile, SSP Kargil will oversee the enforcement of this directive, with violations subject to prosecution and penalties as prescribed by law.

SRINAGAR — Srinagar Police on Tuesday declared the City as a ‘Temporary Red Zone’ for the operation of drones and quadcopters.

Srinagar city has been declared a “Temporary Red Zone” for the operation of drones and quadcopters, as per provisions of Rule 24(2) of Drone Rules, 2021 with immediate effect,” wrote District Police Srinagar in a post on microblogging site X.

“All unauthorized drone operations in the Red Zone are liable to be penalized as per relevant provisions of Drone Rules, 2021. As responsible citizens, your cooperation is solicited in this regard,” read the post further.

SRINAGAR — With Prime Minister Narendra Modi scheduled to address a public gathering in Udhampur on April 12, authorities have enacted measures to enhance security, including a ban on the flying of aviation devices in the district.

In an order quoted by a local news agency, District Magistrate Udhampur, Saloni Rai (IAS), cited the necessity for heightened security measures due to emerging threats involving drones being used as improvised explosive devices by anti-national elements.

The order, issued under Section 144 of the CrPC, prohibits the flying of any aviation devices, including Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), drones, and balloons, in District Udhampur. It comes into effect immediately and will remain in force until 5:00 pm on April 12, 2024.

"Various necessary arrangements are being undertaken by the administration as per SoP, for safe and secure conduct of the rally," the order states.

Senior Superintendent of Police Udhampur has been tasked with ensuring the implementation of the order.

POONCH — Indian Army personnel engaged a Pakistani drone near the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch district on Wednesday, firing multiple shots to thwart its incursion, according to official sources.

Official sources quoted by a local news agency disclosed that the movement of an unidentified drone originating from across the border was detected near the Topi Post and Parvinder Post along the Line of Control in the Mendhar sector. Responding swiftly, troops stationed along the LoC discharged several rounds, compelling the drone to retreat to Pakistani territory.

The ongoing operation involves a search effort in the affected area to ensure security and ascertain any potential threats.

It is notable that the Jammu and Kashmir Police recently announced a cash reward of Rs 3 lakh for individuals providing information leading to the interception of drones deployed from across the border for illicit purposes, including the transportation of narcotics, arms, or explosives.

SRINAGAR — In a proactive move against anti-national activities, the Jammu and Kashmir Police has announced cash rewards for individuals providing valuable information, an official said.

The initiative, as per the official, is aimed at fostering public participation in maintaining peace and security across the region.

Rewards ranging from one lakh rupees to five lakh rupees will be offered based on the significance of the information provided. This includes intelligence on locating trans-border tunnels utilized for illicit activities and actionable insights concerning drone deliveries.

Furthermore, the incentives extend to sharing information on inter-state narcotic modules, communication channels with militant handlers, and individuals involved in radicalizing others to join militant organizations.

Efforts have been made to simplify the process, with individuals urged to contact Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs) for seamless communication, ensuring an efficient exchange of information.

The official emphasized the collective responsibility in creating a safer environment, underscoring the potential for citizens to contribute significantly towards a brighter and secure future for Jammu and Kashmir.

SRINAGAR — Ahead of the Republic Day, a drone camera of the Army went missing during a search operation in Malikpora area of South Kashmir’s Pulwama district on Thursday.

Sources told the news agency CNS that the search party of 55 Rashtriya Rifles was carrying out the search operation in the Malikpora area during which the Army had used its drone camera, which mysteriously went missing in the air.

They said that no clue was found regarding the drone camera, which plays a pivotal role in the search operations or usual scrutiny conducted by the forces in the suspected areas.

It is pertinent to mention that the security forces across Kashmir have been intensifying the checkings and using surveillance equipment to prevent any untoward incident from happening on the eve of Republic Day.

SRINAGAR — The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed a chargesheet against six accused persons in a case related to drone recovery and other ammunition in Kathua district.

According to the news agency KNO, NIA filed the chargesheet in NIA Special Court, Jammu in the case pertaining to the interception of a drone (Hexacopter), recovery of drone (Hexacopter) and rounds of UBGL and Magnetic Bombs from near Dhalli area under of Kathua.

The official statement reads the case was initially registered as FIR No. 114/2022 dated 29.05.2022 at PS Rajbagh, Kathua and re-registered by NIA on 30.07.2022.

"Investigations revealed that on directions of accused, Sajjad Gul, the Pakistani handler, the accused used to collect, receive and transport the weapons, dropped over drones, to the militants active in Kashmir valley for the commission of terror activities in Jammu and Kashmir," it reads.

It reads the accused were charge-sheeted under u/s 120B, 121A and 122 of IPC, sections 16, 17, 18, 18B, 20, 23, 38, 39 and 40 of UA (P) Act, 1967, sections 25(1)(a) and 25(1AA) of the Arms Act and sections 4 and 5 of the Explosive Substances Act.

As per the statement, the accused include Faisal Muneer, Habib, Mian Sohail, Muni Mohd (deceased), Rashid and Sajjad Gul. It further said that investigations in the case were in progress.

SRINAGAR — Srinagar Police is in process of adding hi-tech rather, state of the art high-resolution drones in its kitty to upgrade its aerial surveillance in the city to keep a close watch on militants, OGWs, anti-social elements, drug peddlers and other criminals. Many drones have been already been deployed in Srinagar city as was seen in a video clip shared on Twitter by Srinagar Police's Twitter handle.

“Aerial surveillance is going on in suspected localities of Srinagar looking for anti-socials, criminals, militants and OGWs. Using modern drones with high resolution cameras. These may not be visible from ground but be assured that life, property of citizens will be safeguarded,” tweeted Srinagar police, as per news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO).

Sources in security establishment confirmed that these drones are state-of the art in nature and that some are already in use. “The new ones will help upgrade our aerial surveillance capability further. This will be help in better policing,”

Sources in the police told news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that new drones have high-resolution cameras that can be used during night and day time. “All these drones are connected with a control room for regular monitoring" they said.

Earlier, police had been using UAVs or drones for aerial surveillance in Srinagar on the occasions of Independence Day or Republic Day. However, new ones will be used on regular basis and these drones will help in a long way in controlling crime in the city, the officials said.

KATHUA — Police have recovered seven sticky bombs referred to as magnetic-based IEDs and seven UBL grenades that were attached in the payload tied with a drone that was shot down by a patrolling team near the International border in Kathua district on Sunday morning.

Officials told news agency Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that after the drone was shot down, a Bomb Disposal Squad of Jammu and Kashmir Police was called on the spot and the payload attached with the drone was de-assembled and found to have sticky bombs.

"Seven number of sticky bombs have been recovered from the payload which have been taken into possession by police," officials said.

They added that the recovery of these bombs is being taken as a major success by the forces as sticky bombs have become a major security challenge.

SRINAGAR — Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir Vijay Kumar on Wednesday said that drone surveillance and RFID chips will be part of three-tier security arrangements for the upcoming Amarnath Yatra.

Talking to reporters on the sidelines of the wreath-laying ceremony of a policeman who was killed in Kreeri, Baramulla encounter, the IGP Kashmir, as per news agency Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said that for the past month, police along with other security agencies have been reviewing the security arrangements for the upcoming Yatra.

“This year, drone surveillance and RFID chips will be part of the three-tier security arrangements for the pilgrims,” the IGP said, adding that “security forces will ensure incident-free and smooth Yatra.”

He said in a 'chance' encounter, they lost a brave policeman. “Three Jaish-e-Muhammad militants were killed in the encounter. At times, we have to bear the losses in chance encounters,” the IGP said.

He said the three slain JeM militants were planning a strike in Srinagar that has been averted.