Police across several districts of south and north Kashmir have identified and taken preventive action against individuals found using Virtual Private Network (VPN) services, following prohibitory orders issued by respective District Magistrates.
In Pulwama district, police on Thursday said they identified 95 individuals during a district-wide verification and monitoring drive carried out in compliance with prohibitory orders issued by the District Magistrate on December 29, 2025.
A police spokesperson said all identified devices were subjected to technical analysis, data scrutiny and background verification. “No terror-related or adverse security background was found during the verification, and therefore no FIR was registered,” the spokesperson said.
Security proceedings were initiated against 43 individuals for violating the prohibitory orders. “Most of those against whom proceedings were launched fall in the age group of 18 to 40 years,” the spokesperson added.
Police said users whose devices showed no suspicious links or activities were released after a detailed forensic examination. “They were given strict warnings to discontinue the use of VPNs and avoid accessing restricted or encrypted applications in future,” the spokesperson said.
Pulwama Police said the drive is part of a broader effort to enforce lawful directives and prevent misuse of digital tools. “Pulwama Police remains committed to upholding legal orders and taking necessary preventive measures in the interest of public safety and cyber security,” the statement said.
In north Kashmir’s Sopore area of Baramulla district, police identified 23 individuals using VPN services in violation of prohibitory orders issued by the District Magistrate, Baramulla, on December 29, 2025. Police said security proceedings have been initiated against 15 individuals for non-compliance with the orders.
“Sopore Police reaffirm their commitment to enforcing lawful orders and preventing misuse of digital platforms that may pose risks to public safety and security,” a police statement said.
Similarly, in Anantnag district, police initiated legal action against five individuals for using VPN services. Officials said the violators were identified during routine digital monitoring after the District Magistrate, Anantnag, issued prohibitory orders on December 27, 2025, banning unauthorised VPN usage.
A police spokesperson said, “The action is part of ongoing efforts to enforce legal restrictions on digital platforms and ensure adherence to government orders currently in force.”
In Kulgam district, police said six individuals were identified for using VPN services in violation of prohibitory orders issued by the District Magistrate on December 27, 2025. Security proceedings have been initiated against all six persons for non-compliance with administrative orders.
“Kulgam Police advise the public to refrain from using unauthorised VPNs. Any suspicious activity related to such usage should be reported to the nearest police unit or by dialling 112,” the statement said.
Police across the districts reiterated that the crackdown on unauthorised VPN usage is aimed at preventing misuse of encrypted online platforms and ensuring public order, cyber security and strict compliance with lawful administrative directives in Jammu and Kashmir.
