Baramulla's district administration has imposed a ban on drone operations within the region until October 31, 2025, following an alert issued by the Indian Army. The order, issued on Monday, October 13, 2025, comes in response to intelligence inputs suggesting potential threats involving the smuggling of drones into the Kashmir Valley. Authorities fear these drones could be misused against security forces and vital installations, particularly during the upcoming festive season.
District Magistrate Minga Sherpa (IAS) issued the prohibition under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023. The decision followed a formal request from the Headquarters 19 Infantry Division C/o 56 APO, which cited serious security concerns. The Army's communication emphasized credible intelligence regarding drone smuggling and the potential for hostile deployment, which prompted the civil administration to take immediate preventative measures.
Prior to enacting the ban, the District Magistrate consulted with the Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs) of Baramulla and Sopore. Both police officials supported the measure, recommending a temporary suspension of all non-essential drone and UAV operations as a precaution to ensure public safety during the festive period.
The order explicitly prohibits drone flying by any individual, event hosts, or organizations within the Baramulla district. However, the ban exempts drone operations conducted by security forces (SFs), Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) units, or government departments for official purposes. Exempted agencies must share prior information with the District Administration, Police, and HQ 19 Infantry Division before commencing any drone activity.
Executive Magistrates and police authorities are tasked with strictly enforcing the order and initiating actions against any violations. The administration has been closely monitoring the potential misuse of drones, especially after observing that anti-national elements have been utilizing them to cause damage, injury, and risk to human lives in Jammu and Kashmir. Concerns have also risen due to the increasing domestic use of small drone cameras for capturing photos and videos at social and cultural gatherings.
This is not the first time that Baramulla has restricted drone activity. In the past, similar bans were implemented, particularly following incidents such as the drone attack on the Air Force station in Jammu. These earlier restrictions also included measures such as requiring individuals possessing drones to deposit them at local police stations. These previous orders referenced the Aircraft Act, 1934, and Civil Aviation Rules 2021, which impose restrictions on flying drones within specified distances of airports, military installations, state secretariats, strategic locations, and eco-sensitive zones.
