Another Central Kashmir District Announces VPN Ban – Alfaaz – The Words

Sheikh Junaid

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Police in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district Thursday issued a public advisory announcing temporary restrictions on the use of Virtual Private Network services across the district with immediate effect.

The advisory follows directions issued by the District Magistrate, Ganderbal, under Order No. DCG or ADC-PS or 2025 or 2959 dated December 31, 2025. The move has been described as a precautionary and preventive step aimed at safeguarding public safety, cyber security, and the maintenance of law and order.

Police officials said the restriction has been imposed to prevent the possible misuse of VPN services that could hinder lawful monitoring systems or pose risks to overall security. The order applies to all digital platforms and devices during the period of restriction.

The public has been advised to strictly comply with the directions and refrain from using VPN services until further notice. Police warned that any violation of the order will invite strict legal action under the relevant provisions of law.

Ganderbal Police appealed to residents to cooperate with the administration and act responsibly in the interest of peace, security, and public welfare in the district.

Notably, several other districts in Kashmir valley include Kupwara, Shopian, Kulgam, Budgam, and Kulgam have already clamped a blanket ban on the use of VPN services for two months.