Amid a ban on the use of virtual private network (VPN) services in several districts in Kashmir, Police on Thursday initiated action against 26 individuals for violating the orders in Sopore, Anantnag and Kulgam.

“Police in Sopore identified 23 individuals using unauthorized VPN services in violation of the prohibitory orders issued by the District Magistrate, Baramulla,” a police spokesman said.
He said security proceedings have been initiated against 15 such individuals for non-compliance with the said orders.
The spokesman said police in Anantnag have initiated action against five 05 individuals who were found using unauthorized VPN services, in violation of prohibitory orders issued by the District Magistrate Anantnag.
The violators were identified by Anantnag Police, following which security proceedings have been initiated for non-compliance with the lawful orders in force.
Police have also identified six persons using unauthorized Virtual Private Network services in violation of the prohibitory orders in Kulgam.
“Accordingly, security proceedings have been initiated against 06 such persons for non-compliance of administrative orders,” the police spokesman said.
The District Magistrates of Baramulla, Anantnag and Kulgam have issued prohibitory orders banning the use of unauthorized VPN services with the objective of preventing misuse of online platforms, including encrypted applications, which may pose challenges to public safety and security.
Over the last few days, several districts that include Kupwara, Srinagar, Budgam, Kulgam, Shopian, Pulwama and Ganderbal and Rajouri, Kathua, Poonch and Doda have banned the use VPN service “citing a threat to national security and apprehensions of incitement to unrest.”
“J&K Police reiterate their commitment to strict enforcement of lawful orders and to taking all necessary measures to prevent misuse of digital platforms in the interest of maintaining public order and security,” the police spokesman said.
Last week, two people were booked by police in Doda district of Jammu region for using VPN services in violation of the ban.