Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir have taken significant steps against individuals using Virtual Private Network (VPN) services in defiance of recent prohibitory orders. Police action has been initiated against more than 100 people across several districts, with a notable focus on teenagers and young adults.
District-Wide Drives Identify VPN Users
In a recent verification drive conducted across Shopian district in south Kashmir, police identified 15 individuals who were using VPN services. A detailed technical examination and background check of these users did not uncover any connections to terrorism or other adverse records. Consequently, no First Information Report (FIR) was filed in these cases.
However, as a preventive security measure, proceedings were started against 10 of these individuals, who primarily belong to a younger demographic. They were formally warned to abstain from using VPN services in the future. Among the 15 identified, five were minors. These teenagers were counselled in the presence of their parents or guardians, with police emphasising the importance of lawful online behaviour and the repercussions of ignoring official orders.
Widespread Violations in Kulgam and Pulwama
The crackdown extended beyond Shopian. In the neighbouring districts of Kulgam and Pulwama, law enforcement identified a total of 101 people who had used VPN services against the ban.
In Kulgam, security proceedings have been initiated against six persons. In Pulwama, a larger group of 95 individuals was found using VPNs. Similar to the Shopian cases, technical scrutiny of their devices and background verification revealed no terror links or adverse antecedents, so no formal police complaints were registered. Nonetheless, preventive security proceedings were launched against 43 people in Pulwama, most of whom are aged between 18 and 40 years.
Context of the VPN Ban
This enforcement action follows a phased ban on VPN services imposed earlier this week across multiple districts in the Kashmir Valley. District magistrates issued orders prohibiting VPN use in Srinagar, Ganderbal, Kupwara, Shopian, Budgam, Pulwama, Kulgam, and Anantnag. The orders cited potential threats to national security and the risk of these tools being misused to foment unrest as the primary reasons for the restriction.
The police have now begun acting against those violating these orders. The move has sparked reactions from residents, with some expressing frustration over the impact on daily life. A Facebook user from Srinagar questioned, "How can I watch my favourite Irish and UK shows now? Is it only banned for illegal activity? I'm sure that The Graham Norton Show is not dodgy!" This sentiment highlights the tension between security measures and routine digital access for civilians in the region.
