Asif Iqbal Naik
Jammu, Dec 08: In a significant move aimed at tightening security and regulating vehicular movement across Jammu & Kashmir, the Transport Department has issued a comprehensive public notice mandating strict compliance for all outside J&K–registered vehicles operating within the Union Territory. The notification, issued by the Regional Transport Authority, directs vehicle owners to complete mandatory verification and documentation checks within the stipulated timeframe.
Public Notice for outside JandK vehicles (1)
The notice was formally issued by the Assistant Regional Transport Officer (ARTO) Kishtwar Tasleem Javed Wani, who has taken a proactive lead in tightening vehicular regulation across the district. Recognised for his assertive enforcement approach, the ARTO has underlined that unverified outside-registered vehicles pose both administrative and security challenges in a mountainous district like Kishtwar, where road connectivity and strategic locations demand heightened vigilance. He emphasized that the verification drive is essential not only to curb tax evasion and misuse of non-local vehicles but also to assist security agencies in maintaining a reliable database of vehicular movement. The officer has directed his teams to ensure that the process remains transparent, citizen-friendly, and strictly in accordance with Motor Vehicles Act provisions, while simultaneously plugging gaps that could be exploited for unlawful activities.
According to the notice, owners of non-local vehicles must furnish valid documents including the registration certificate (RC), proof of identity, road tax receipts, and the purpose of the vehicle’s stay in J&K. The administration has warned that vehicles failing to comply will face seizure, penalties, and further action under the Motor Vehicles Act.
Senior officials revealed that the directive comes amid growing security concerns associated with unregistered and unverified vehicles entering the UT. Intelligence inputs in recent months have indicated that such vehicles are occasionally exploited for illegal transportation, smuggling activities, and in rare instances, militant movement and logistical support—especially in sensitive districts of Jammu, Ramban, Doda, Kishtwar, and the Kashmir Valley.
The increasing number of vehicles with tampered registration credentials has also posed challenges for surveillance grids, particularly during high-alert periods, major yatra seasons, and winter month movement when roads witness increased inter-state traffic. Enforcement agencies have flagged several cases where outside-registered vehicles were found involved in narcotics trade, transportation of stolen goods, and evading road tax liabilities.
A senior officer said the measure is intended to “strengthen traceability, prevent misuse of non-local vehicles, and plug crucial security gaps” while ensuring that legitimate tourists, students, and professionals face no inconvenience.
District police, traffic authorities, and ARTO teams have been directed to intensify checking drives at entry points, national highways, and urban centres. Dedicated teams will verify vehicle credentials using handheld digital devices, with instant penalties for violators.
The administration has clarified that the move is not aimed at discouraging tourism but is a “routine security and regulatory necessity” for a region facing complex law-and-order dynamics.
Vehicle owners have been urged to complete verification at the earliest to avoid penalties. The administration has reiterated that the initiative is part of broader efforts to maintain peace, safeguard public safety, and ensure transparent vehicular movement across J&K.
Kishtwar continues to navigate a complex security landscape, especially in the aftermath of several encounters and anti-militancy operations witnessed over the past one year. The district’s rugged terrain, dense forest belts, and remote upper reaches have frequently been exploited by small but persistent militant pockets attempting to revive their network. Security agencies have remained on heightened alert as recent operations in areas like Dachhan, Paddar, and Chatroo exposed fresh attempts by infiltrated militants to regroup, establish hideouts, and target security installations. The recovery of arms, communication devices, and logistics during these encounters has further indicated that Kishtwar remains vulnerable to sleeper cells and cross-district movement of militants. These developments have compelled police, Army, and intelligence wings to intensify surveillance, road checking, and area domination patrols, making strict vehicle verification a crucial part of the overall security grid.
