SRINAGAR — In a massive digital crackdown that has sent shockwaves through the Valley, the Jammu & Kashmir Police have initiated legal proceedings against 69 individuals for violating the ban on Virtual Private Networks (VPNs).
The action comes just days after District Magistrates across Kashmir issued strict prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), banning the use of unauthorized VPNs on smartphones. Security agencies have cited “national security” and the “potential for misuse by terrorists” as the primary reasons for this sudden enforcement.
If you are using a VPN to access social media or blocked sites, you might be next. Here is the full breakdown of the police action.
The Numbers: Who Got Caught?
According to an official police spokesperson, special technical teams have been monitoring encrypted traffic across multiple districts. The breakdown of the 69 individuals booked or facing action is as follows:
- Pulwama (South Kashmir): The highest number of violators were found here. Police identified 95 users, out of which 43 individuals (mostly aged 18–40) are facing preventive legal proceedings.
- Sopore (North Kashmir): In this sensitive sub-district, 23 people were identified, and legal action has been initiated against 15 of them.
- Kulgam: 6 individuals have been booked for non-compliance with the District Magistrate’s order.
- Anantnag: Action has been taken against 5 individuals.
Why Is This Happening?
The administration argues that VPNs are not just being used to watch blocked content but are a tool for “digital terror.”
- The Official Line: “VPNs enable encrypted data transmission and mask IP addresses, which is being exploited by anti-national elements to coordinate activities and spread propaganda without being traced,” a senior police official stated.
- The Order: District Magistrates in Kupwara, Baramulla, and Shopian had earlier issued orders warning that any “suspicious internet usage” would invite legal action.
What Happens to Those Caught?
In Pulwama, police clarified that they conducted a “background verification” of the 95 identified users.
- Genuine Users: Those found using VPNs for non-criminal purposes (like gaming or innocent browsing) were released after a “detailed device analysis” and a strict warning.
- Suspects: The 43 individuals facing action are being processed under preventive sections of the law to ensure they do not repeat the violation.
Reader Advisory: Delete It Now?
If you have a VPN app installed on your phone (even if you aren’t using it), you are technically at risk during a physical frisking or spot-check.
- Police Warning: “The general public is advised to strictly adhere to the prohibitory orders and remove such non-compliant applications immediately.”
- Spot Checks: Reports from on-ground sources suggest that security forces at checkpoints in sensitive areas are randomly checking phones for these apps.
FAQs: VPN Ban Explained
A: Yes, currently in specific districts like Pulwama, Kulgam, Shopian, and Baramulla, District Magistrates have issued written orders banning “unauthorized VPNs.” Violating a DM’s order is a punishable offense.
A: The ban targets “unauthorized” VPNs. If you are using a corporate VPN for legitimate IT/Software work, you should carry your company ID card and be ready to explain this during any security check.
The orders are issued under Section 163 of BNSS, 2023 (formerly Section 144 of CrPC), which gives Magistrates the power to issue directions to prevent danger to human life or public safety.
Disclaimer: This report is based on official police statements released on Jan 1 and 2, 2026. Laws and enforcement levels may vary by district.
