Kashmir’s Baramulla district bans use of drones after Army raises alarm 

The Baramulla administration in north Kashmir ordered a complete ban on drones operating across the district on Monday (October 13, 2025). The order is in effect until October 31, 2025. This follows intelligence inputs on a potential threat of drone attacks.

District Magistrate, Baramulla, Minga Sherpa (IAS), said the prohibition was ordered “Under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, and follows a request from Headquarters 19 Infantry Division C/o 56 APO, which had sought the ban citing serious security concerns.”

The Army has expressed fears following intelligence inputs that there was a possibility that drones would be smuggled into the Kashmir Valley and “potentially be used against the security forces and vital installations during the upcoming festive season.”

The latest order “prohibits drone flying by any individual(s), event host(s), or organisation(s) in Baramulla forthwith till 31-10-2025.”

The District Magistrate sought inputs from the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Baramulla and SSP Sopore, who supported the move and recommended temporary suspension of all non-essential drone and UAV operations as a precautionary measure to ensure public safety during the festive period.

“However, drone operations by Security Forces (SFs), CAPF units, or government departments for official purposes are exempted, provided prior information is shared with the district administration, police, and HQ 19 Infantry Division,” the order said.

The Magistrate directed all executive Magistrates and police authorities “to ensure strict enforcement of the order and to initiate action against violators under relevant laws.”