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VPN Ban in J&K: Why Rajouri and Poonch Districts Face a 2-Month Blackout

Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir have taken a drastic step by suspending VPN services in two border districts. They cite a sudden spike in suspicious activity and serious security concerns as the reason. The order applies to everyone, from individuals to internet service providers, and violations will be punished. This move highlights the ongoing tension between digital privacy and state security in sensitive regions.

Key Points: VPN Services Suspended for Two Months in J&K's Rajouri, Poonch

  • Order cites unprecedented high VPN usage by suspicious internet users in the border districts
  • VPNs are banned for masking IPs and bypassing website blocks, posing a cyber threat
  • The suspension is enforced under new Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita laws
  • Violators will face legal action under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita
2 min read

VPN services suspended for 2 months in J&K's Rajouri and Poonch districts

Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir suspend VPN services in Rajouri and Poonch districts for two months, citing security threats and unprecedented suspicious usage.

"Adversaries can use VPN services to create an atmosphere of fear in view of the prevailing situation. - Poonch District Magistrate Ashok Kumar Sharma"

Jammu, Nov 30

Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri and Poonch districts have ordered the suspension of virtual private network (VPN) services for two months, citing potential misuse of the technology by anti-social elements for unlawful activities.

Poonch became the second border district in the Jammu division on Sunday to see VPN services suspended, following Rajouri where a similar order was issued in the past two days.

Poonch District Magistrate Ashok Kumar Sharma ordered the suspension of VPNs under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) with immediate effect.

“The SSP informed that there has been an unprecedented high usage of VPNs in the past few days at different locations of the district by suspicious internet users,” the DM said in the order.

The order noted that VPN traffic is encrypted, creates a point-to-point tunnel, masks IP addresses and can sidestep website blocks and firewalls, thereby making sensitive data vulnerable to cyber attacks. “Adversaries can use VPN services to create an atmosphere of fear in view of the prevailing situation,” the DM said.

The directive will apply to all individuals, institutions, cyber cafes and internet service providers operating in the district, and anyone found violating it shall be punishable under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the order added. The DM has directed the SSP to ensure implementation of the order in letter and spirit.

In Rajouri, District Magistrate Abhishek Sharma on Friday issued an immediate two-month suspension of all VPN services in the border district, citing public safety concerns and the potential misuse of such platforms for unlawful activities. The Rajouri directive was issued under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita following a communication from the police.

Rajouri SSP Gaurav Sikarwar, in his communication to the civil administration, flagged unprecedented and suspicious use of VPN services across various areas of the district. The DM’s order in Rajouri reiterated that VPNs, by masking IP addresses, bypassing website blocks and firewalls, and transmitting encrypted data, were being used by a significant number of suspicious internet users.

“Such activities have the potential to be exploited for anti-national purposes including spreading inflammatory content, coordinating activities prejudicial to public order, and posing cyber security threats,” the Rajouri district magistrate said, underlining that the preventive step has been taken in the interest of maintaining law and order and safeguarding sensitive information.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While I understand the security concerns, this will hit students and professionals hard. Many rely on VPNs for online classes, remote work, and accessing global resources. The order should have considered exemptions.
V
Vikram M
The authorities must have solid intelligence about "unprecedented high usage" to take such a drastic step. In border areas, we cannot compromise on safety. Jai Hind.
S
Sarah B
As someone who works remotely with international clients, a VPN is essential for data security. This blanket ban seems excessive. Couldn't they monitor suspicious activity instead of cutting off a vital tool for everyone?
R
Rohit P
Fully support the DM's order. If anti-national elements are using technology to create fear, it must be stopped. Our brave soldiers protect the borders, the least we can do is support such administrative decisions for internal security.
K
Kavya N
This is concerning for digital privacy. A VPN is also a tool for protecting one's own data. I hope the suspension is strictly for two months as stated and there is a review mechanism. The balance between security and rights is delicate.

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