J&K Drone Ban: Rajouri District Halts Sale, Use & Transport; Asks To Deposit Pre-Existing Devices

The order said it has been observed that anti-national elements are using drones and flying objects to cause damage, injury and risk to human lives in certain parts of the Union Territory.

Drone | File Image

Rajouri: In view of the use of drones and flying objects by anti-national elements to cause damage, injury, and risk to human lives, Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri district has imposed a ban or complete restriction on the storage, sale, possession, usage, and transportation of any drone or other small flying objects.

The order said it has been observed that anti-national elements are using drones and flying objects to cause damage, injury, and risk to human lives in certain parts of the Union Territory. 

The order issued by Rajouri District Magistrate Rajesh Kumar Shavan said it has also been noticed for the last 10-15 years that the domestic use of small drone cameras has also increased in the society for capturing photos and videos in the social and cultural gatherings, adding “particularly the youth are more fascinated to have use of drone-like toys and electronic gadgets”.

“Whereas in the current situation to avoid any confusion and to secure the aerial space near the vital institutions and highly populated areas, it is a rationale and expedient to discontinue the use of any drone/small flying toys/objects in all social and cultural gatherings to eliminate any risk of injury to life and property,” the order said.

The order issued by the Rajouri District Magistrate also directed those having drones or like objects in their possession to deposit the same with the local police station.

However, the government agencies using drones for mapping, surveys, and surveillance would get the local police station in charge and executive magistrate informed, the order said.

The order comes just days after the attack incident at the Indian Air Force (IAF) station in Jammu by armed drones.