The District Magistrate Kishtwar has imposed a complete ban on the use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) within the district, citing serious concerns over misuse and threats to public order and national security.
According to an order issued under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, the decision follows credible inputs suggesting that certain individuals and groups were using VPNs to bypass lawful cyber restrictions and access prohibited digital platforms.
The order, issued by District Magistrate Pankaj Kumar Sharma (JKAS), states that such activities could be exploited for unlawful and anti-national purposes, including spreading inflammatory content, inciting unrest and coordinating illegal activities.
It said there is an urgent need to curb such misuse to ensure cyber security, maintain public peace and safeguard governance mechanisms in the district.
The ban applies to all individuals, institutions, cyber cafes, business establishments and Internet Service Providers operating within the territorial jurisdiction of Kishtwar, with immediate effect.
However, the order provides exemption only in cases explicitly authorized by the government through an official directive.
The authorities have warned that any violation of the order will invite strict legal action under relevant provisions of law.