Authorities in Baramulla district of Kashmir today announced restrictions on movement of people within three km radius of counter-insurgency operations, apparently to curb the growing trend of locals staging protests to distract security forces from hunting down militants.
"According to the District Magistrate Baramulla, restrictions on the movement of people within the radius of three kmsfrom counter-insurgency operation sites has been imposed under the section 144 CrPC in the district," an official spokesman said.
In case of any exigency, the spokesman said the local population can seek the assistance of the district administration or the local police concerned.
"These restrictions shall however not apply to the movement of ambulances, medical, para medical staff and government employees," the spokesman said.
The decision was taken apparently to discourage people, especially youth, from interfering in operations to track down militants as a new phenomenon has emerged in the valley over the past several months wherein protesters indulge in stone-pelting on security forces engaged in gun-battles with militants.
