Ganderbal, Oct 24, KNT: In a firm action aimed at strengthening security compliance and ensuring adherence to statutory procedures, police have registered First Information Reports (FIRs) against three hotel owners at the popular tourist resort of Sonamarg for failing to record the details of foreign tourists staying at their establishments.
Police sources told the news agency Kashmir News Trust that the management of three hotels had violated mandatory norms by not maintaining proper records of 31 foreign tourists who had recently stayed in their properties. The hotels had failed to fill Form 16C, which is a legal requirement mandating all hoteliers to record the names, addresses, passport numbers, and other particulars of foreign guests during their stay.
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“Maintaining the Form 16C register is an essential part of the verification and security protocol. It helps authorities keep track of foreign visitors and ensures transparency in hospitality operations,” a senior police officer said. He added that negligence in this regard poses potential security and administrative challenges, prompting the local police station at Sonamarg to initiate legal action.
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Police Station Sonamarg confirmed that separate FIRs have been registered against the three hotel owners under relevant provisions of law, and further investigation is underway. “Hoteliers are expected to cooperate fully with the laid-down procedures. Non-compliance will invite strict action,” the police officer added.
Meanwhile, police have urged all hoteliers operating in the Sonamarg area and across the Ganderbal district to maintain proper records of both domestic and foreign tourists as per government guidelines. destination.
Notably, Form 16C is a mandatory register that every hotel, guest house, or lodging establishment must maintain to record details of foreign tourists staying on their premises. It includes the guest’s name, nationality, passport number, visa details, address in India, and duration of stay. [KNT]
