Kulgam, Dec 29 (JKNS): Authorities in Kulgam have suspended the use of Virtual Private Network (VPN) services for two months after police flagged an unusual surge in their usage, raising concerns over public order, cyber security and possible unlawful activities.
In an order issued by DM Kulgam, a copy of which is available with news agency JKNS stated that “the decision follows inputs received from the Senior Superintendent of Police, Kulgam, highlighting an unprecedented surge in the use of VPNs by suspicious internet users across various parts of the district.”
Order reads, Whereas, a communication has been received from the office of the Senior Superintendent of Police, Kulgam vide No. CS/41/25/25653 dated 26.12.2025, highlighting an unprecedented surge in the usage of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) over the past few days across various parts of District Kulgam by a significant number of suspicious internet users; and Whereas, such excessive and abnormal usage of VPN services has the potential to be misused for unlawful and anti-national activities, including but not limited to incitement of unrest, dissemination of inflammatory or misleading content, and coordination of activities prejudicial to the maintenance of public order and security.
Order reads that, Whereas, VPN services facilitate encrypted data transmission through point-to-point tunneling, conceal IP addresses, and enable users to bypass website restrictions and firewalls, thereby posing serious risks to cyber security and rendering sensitive data and information vulnerable to cyber threats.
It further reads that, it has become imperative to take immediate preventive measures in the interest of public safety, maintenance of law and order, and protection of sensitive information from potential cyber exploitation.
Now, therefore, in view of the foregoing and in the interest of public safety and data security, I, Athar Aamir Khan, IAS, District Magistrate, Kulgam, in exercise of the powers conferred upon me under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS), do hereby order the suspension of all kinds of Virtual Private Network (VPN) services on mobile phones within District Kulgam for a period of two (02) months from the date of issuance of this order, unless withdrawn earlier.
As it is not feasible to serve notice individually upon all concerned persons, this order is passed ex-parte. The same shall be promulgated for the information of the general public and shall be given wide publicity through publication on the District Website, leading newspapers, and by affixing copies on the Notice Boards of the following offices, Office of the undersigned, Office of the Senior Superintendent of Police, Kulgam, Office of the Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Noorabad, Offices of all Tehsildars, Offices of all SDPOS, Offices of all SHOs of District Kulgam.
It further reads that, The Senior Superintendent of Police, Kulgam shall ensure strict implementation of this order in letter and spirit. (JKNS)
