Authorities have banned the usage of Virtual Private Networks, popularly known as VPNs, in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kathua district, citing national security concerns.
Kathua, along with several districts of the Jammu region, has been infested by militancy over the past few years. It remained a puzzle for security forces since the region witnessed multiple encounters in 2025, and is marked as a security-sensitive region for its proximity to the international border with Pakistan.
In 2025 alone, security agencies, including the country's top anti-terror agency (NIA), arrested several terror associates from the Kathua district who were involved in facilitating the terrorist network in the division.
The order, issued by the District Magistrate Rajesh Sharma, said that “VPN services are being misused by certain individuals and groups to bypass cyber restrictions and access prohibited applications, websites, and digital content.”
Also Read: Major crackdown on terror OGWs in Kashmir, over 150 detained
This preventive measure, taken under Section 163 of the Bharatiya NagarikSuraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, was deemed necessary, according to officials. The ban, according to officials, applies to individuals, institutions, cyber cafes, and internet service providers operating within the territorial jurisdiction of Kathua district, except those with explicit permission from the government via a specific official order.
The Senior Superintendent of police has been ordered to enforce the directive strictly, with violations attracting legal action under the relevant provisions of law, the order said.
The directive took effect from December 24.
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