Kashmir Impulse Desk

Baramulla, June 4

Police in Baramulla have prohibited the movement of tourists towards the interior areas of Mulbangil and Batoo through the Hajibal-Babareshi axis, citing safety concerns and the lack of adequate tourism infrastructure along the route.

In an advisory issued on Thursday, authorities said they had observed a recent increase in tourist visits to the remote Mulbangil and Batoo areas, with some tourism service providers, guides and transport operators facilitating such trips.

Police said the Qazipora-Ziran-Batoo-Mulbangil-Hajibal route is not part of any notified or established tourist circuit and passes through isolated terrain where emergency response services and visitor support facilities are limited or unavailable.

The advisory said the restriction had been imposed with immediate effect and would remain in force until further orders to prevent tourists from travelling to areas not designated for tourism activities.

Authorities directed hotel owners, guest house and homestay operators, travel agencies, tour operators, taxi drivers, tourist guides, pony operators and other stakeholders not to advertise, organise, facilitate or encourage visits to the restricted areas.

Police said teams would be deployed at strategic locations along the route to ensure compliance with the order.

Authorities warned that individuals or establishments found violating the restrictions or facilitating unauthorised tourist movement would face legal action under relevant laws.

Tourists were urged to cooperate with the authorities and limit their travel to approved and established destinations in the Tangmarg-Gulmarg region.