Fazilka, 2 July 2025: District Magistrate Amarpreet Kaur Sandhu (IAS) has invoked powers under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) (formerly Section 144 of the CrPC, 1973) and issued a series of prohibitory orders across the district. These restrictions will remain in force until 31 August 2025, and strict legal action will be taken against violators.
Key Restrictions Imposed:
- Ban on cattle movement at night:
The movement of cattle, especially cows, is strictly prohibited after sunset and before sunrise within the Fazilka district. People who keep cattle are instructed to ensure their animals are registered with the Animal Husbandry Department. - Ban on Hookah service:
No restaurant or hookah bar is allowed to serve hookah to customers anywhere in the district, including all villages and municipal areas. Violators will face action under Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code. - Ban on Chinese kite string (China dor):
Selling, storing, or using Chinese manjha (kite string) has been completely banned for kite flying or any other purpose within Fazilka district limits. - Ban on use of Pakistani SIM cards:
A complete ban has been imposed on possessing or using Pakistani SIM cards within 4 kilometers of the international border in Fazilka district. - Ban on tall crops near the international border:
The cultivation of tall-growing crops such as BT cotton, maize, guar, jowar, sugarcane, mustard, sunflower, and others over 4.5 feet high has been prohibited in areas 70 to 100 meters on the Indian side of the international border fencing. This is based on observations from BSF officials, who noted that such crops obstruct border surveillance and pose security risks.
These prohibitions have been put in place to ensure public safety, maintain law and order, and support national security, especially in sensitive and border areas.
Summary:
The District Magistrate has banned hookah bars, outlawed Chinese kite-flying strings (manjha), and blocked the sale of Pakistani SIM cards to maintain public safety and minimize cross-border security risks.