JAMMU, Jan 3: In a move aimed at enhancing public security, commercial units in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district have been instructed to install closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras within their premises within the next 21 days. District Magistrate Vishesh Paul Mahajan, emphasizing the importance of public safety, also urged owners of hotels, guest houses, restaurants, dhabas, shopping malls, and other commercial establishments in Katra and Ransoo to provide employee details to local police stations and tehsildars within the same timeframe.

Reasi district is renowned for housing the revered shrines of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi in Katra and Shri Shiv Khori Shrine in Ransoo Tehsil, attracting numerous pilgrims daily from various parts of the country.

In an order issued on Tuesday, the district magistrate highlighted that the installation of CCTVs serves a dual purpose of crime prevention and enhanced public safety, acting as a deterrent to criminal and anti-social elements. Mahajan emphasized that the presence of CCTV cameras outside such establishments would act as a force multiplier, instilling confidence in the general public and customers.

The directive mandates the installation of CCTV cameras within 21 days, and any violation of this order is stated to incur legal consequences under Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code, according to the issued order.

Additionally, in another order seeking employee details of commercial units in Katra and Ransoo, Mahajan underscored the necessity of employee verification for the safety of the public and pilgrims visiting the shrines. Business owners are instructed to furnish employee information, including Aadhaar numbers, addresses, and mobile phone numbers, to the respective police stations and tehsildars within the stipulated 21-day period.