J&K militant attack: Government imposes restrictions on air-borne activites in Jammu

Apprehending militant attacks on vital defence installations across Jammu region through air route, the government today imposed restrictions on several air-borne activities including paragliding in the region.

“The defence establishments had certain inputs that militants might try to use sub-conventional tactics to target Indian Air Force, Army or police installations in Jammu region. Hence we have imposed restrictions on several air-borne activities,” Deputy Commissioner of Jammu, Simrandeep Singh told PTI.

He said the restrictions do not amount to a complete ban on such activities but any individual or recreational club that wants to carry out such activity should get permission from the district administration.

Singh also said there would be no private air-borne activities like parajumping, paragliding and launching of any hot air balloon within the radius of one km of any security or defence installations in the district.

“In the past we have seen militants using sub-conventional ways to launch attack across the country. They used sea route in Mumbai attack, they jumped the wall during Pathankot attack and now we are apprehensive that they might resort to the use of air route to launch attacks,” Singh said.

He said all the private companies running such activities have been asked to get themselves registered with the district administration before carrying out any such activity.

“We need to know what type of equipment they (private operators) have and when and how they intend to use it,” he said.

The step is also of greater significance given the inputs that terrorist outfits across the border might try to launch attacks on the upcoming Amarnath pilgrimage which starts from July 2.