Security Protocol Breach Alleged as Hotel Conceals Stay of Foreign Nationals in Kashmir
Anantnag, March 23, KNT: Police in Anantnag have registered a case against a hotel in Pahalgam for allegedly concealing the stay of foreign nationals and failing to comply with mandatory reporting requirements, officials said on Monday.
The action was taken after a routine inspection in the Dehwatoo area revealed that 23 foreign nationals, including 19 British citizens, had checked into Hotel Misty Mountains Laddi on the evening of March 22, they said.
The hotels are legally required to report the stay of foreign guests to local police authorities to ensure compliance with security protocols.
According to officials, the hotel management did not inform Police Station Pahalgam about the presence of the foreign nationals and failed to submit the mandatory Form ‘C’, which is required under relevant laws governing foreign visitors.
Police said the omission amounted to a violation of provisions under the Foreigners and Immigration Act, 2025, and raised concerns regarding adherence to prescribed procedures.
An FIR (No. 18/2026) has been registered at Police Station Pahalgam under relevant sections of the law, and an investigation has been initiated, officials added.
What is Form ‘C’? – Mandatory Foreign Guest Reporting
Form ‘C’ is a mandatory registration document that hotels, guest houses and other accommodation providers in India must submit to local authorities when hosting foreign nationals.
Under legal provisions governing foreign visitors, property owners are required to furnish details of foreign guests—including name, nationality, passport number, visa details, date of arrival and duration of stay—to the nearest police station or through the online Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) system.
The form must be submitted within 24 hours of the guest’s arrival, and failure to comply can attract legal action, including fines or criminal proceedings.
The requirement is aimed at maintaining security, monitoring the movement of foreign nationals and ensuring compliance with immigration regulations.
A police officer said the matter is being examined to ascertain the circumstances under which the reporting norms were not followed.
Authorities have reiterated the importance of strict compliance with legal requirements by hotel operators, particularly in tourist destinations that host international visitors.
District Police Anantnag urged all hospitality establishments to ensure timely submission of guest details and adherence to security protocols to avoid legal action.
Pahalgam, a major tourist destination in south Kashmir, receives a significant number of foreign visitors, making compliance with reporting norms a key aspect of local security management. [KNT]
