Ban imposed on use of drones in Rajouri
Jammu, June 30
Amid heightened security across J&K after the recent bombing of an IAF station by armed drones here, authorities ordered a ban on the storage, sale or possession and use and transport of the flying machines in Rajouri on Wednesday. District Magistrate (DM) Rajesh Kumar Shavan, exercising his powers under Section 144 of the CrPC, also directed those having drones or similar objects to deposit the same with the local police station. The government agencies using drones for mapping, survey and surveillance will have to inform the local police station in-charge and executive magistrate, the order stated.
Security threat
The decision has been taken after Pakistan-based terrorists attacked the Jammu IAF station using drones
People possessing drone cameras or flying objects or toys will have to deposit the same with the police
In what was the first instance of Pakistan-based terrorists deploying drones to strike a vital installation, two bombs were dropped at the IAF station in Jammu in the early hours of Sunday, causing minor injuries to two personnel.
The order states, “Those already having drone cameras/flying objects, toys or similar objects will have to deposit the same with the local police station against proper receipt.”
Defending his decision, the district magistrate said it had been observed that anti-national elements were using drones and flying objects to cause damage, injury and risk to the human lives in certain parts of the UT. “It has also been noticed that for the last 10-15 years the domestic use of small drone cameras has also increased in society for capturing photos and videos in the social and culture gatherings. Youths in particular are more fascinated to have drone-like toys and electronic gadgets. In the current situation, to avoid any confusion and to secure the aerial space near the vital installations and highly populated areas, it is rationale and expedient to discontinue the use of any drone/small flying toy/object in all social and cultural gatherings to eliminate any risk of injury to the life and property,” the order stated, adding that violation, if any, would attract punitive action. — PTI
