Baramulla Police restrict tourist movement towards Mulbangil-Batoo route via Hanjibal-Babareshi axis

Baramulla, June 4: Baramulla Police on Thursday issued an advisory restricting tourist movement towards the Mulbangil–Batoo route via the Hanjibal–Babareshi axis in the interest of public safety and to prevent tourists from venturing into areas not designated for tourism activities, officials said.

In a statement, police spokesperson said that Baramulla Police has observed a recent increase in the movement of tourists towards the interior areas of Mulbangil and Batoo along the Hajibal–Babareshi axis, facilitated in certain cases by tourism service providers, guides and transport operators.

Members of the public are advised that the Qazipora–Ziran–Batoo–Mulbangil–Hajibal route does not form part of the notified and established tourist circuit and traverses remote areas lacking adequate visitor support and emergency response facilities, the statement said.

“In the interest of public safety and to prevent tourists from venturing into areas not designated for tourism activities, Police shall be regulating and prohibiting tourist movement towards the aforesaid route with immediate effect and until further notice,” the spokesperson said.

All hotel owners, guest house operators, homestay owners, travel agencies, tour operators, taxi operators, tourist guides, pony operators and other stakeholders are advised not to facilitate, advertise, organise or encourage tourist visits towards the restricted area.

Police teams shall be deployed at appropriate locations to enforce the restrictions. Any individual, guide, operator, agency or establishment found violating these directions, facilitating unauthorized movement, or otherwise acting in a manner that endangers the safety of tourists shall attract strict legal action under the relevant provisions of law.

Tourists are requested to cooperate with the authorities and confine their visits to approved and established tourist destinations in the Tangmarg–Gulmarg area.
The cooperation of all stakeholders is solicited in ensuring the safety, convenience and welfare of visitors.