The order was issued by the District Magistrate (DM) Srinagar under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) and comes as part of a broader enforcement drive initiated by the Jammu and Kashmir administration to curb the alleged misuse of encrypted digital platforms.

According to the order, the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Srinagar had submitted a report flagging serious apprehensions about the misuse of VPN services by “vested interests”, warning that such activities could have adverse implications for public order, cyber security and overall law and order in the district.

The administration noted that VPN services, which transmit encrypted data through point-to-point tunnels, allow users to conceal their IP addresses and bypass website restrictions, firewalls and monitoring mechanisms. While these features are commonly used worldwide for privacy and data protection, the order said they also carry the potential for exploitation for unlawful and anti-national activities.

“These platforms can be misused for incitement of unrest, dissemination of inflammatory content and coordination of activities prejudicial to the maintenance of public order,” the DM said adding that unrestricted VPN usage poses “serious risks to public safety, cyber security and the protection of sensitive data”.

Citing the need for immediate preventive action in the larger public interest, the District Magistrate ordered the suspension of all VPN services with immediate effect.

However, the order clarified that the ban will not apply to authorised VPN usage by government departments, particularly those operating through the National Informatics Centre (NIC).

As serving individual notices to all concerned persons was considered impractical, the order was issued ex parte. The administration has directed that it be given wide publicity through the district website, leading newspapers and by affixing copies on notice boards of the offices of the District Magistrate, SSP Srinagar, Sub-Divisional Magistrates of Srinagar East and West, and all tehsildars.

The SSP Srinagar has been instructed to ensure strict implementation of the order in letter and spirit, officials said.

The Srinagar order comes amid an intensified crackdown on VPN usage across Kashmir. Over the past week, district administrations in Budgam, Baramulla, Sopore, Shopian and Kulgam have issued similar prohibitory orders banning unauthorised VPN services for two months.

Police have launched verification and monitoring drives across multiple districts, identifying dozens of individuals allegedly using VPN services in violation of the orders. In some cases, FIRs have been registered, while others have faced preventive action under the BNSS after background and technical scrutiny.

Authorities have argued that VPNs are increasingly being misused to bypass online restrictions imposed during security operations, including blocks on certain websites, social media accounts, and digital platforms linked to misinformation or propaganda.

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The administration has imposed a two-month ban on unauthorised VPN services across all districts, with district magistrates issuing immediate prohibitory orders as a preventive measure to safeguard public safety, cyber security and law and order.

Officials said VPNs, which encrypt internet traffic and mask user identities, can be misused to evade lawful digital monitoring during sensitive periods.

Senior police officials said verification and monitoring drives have been launched in multiple districts, including physical checks of mobile phones and installed applications.

In central Kashmir’s Budgam district, police identified 24 individuals between December 29, 2025, and January 2, 2026, during systematic verification exercises. Two FIRs were registered after technical analysis and background checks allegedly revealed adverse terror-related antecedents, police said.

Preventive action was also initiated against 11 individuals aged between 18 and 40 under Sections 126 and 170 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). They were later released on bonds with formal warnings.

In south Kashmir’s Shopian district, police identified 15 individuals during a district-wide drive, while in north Kashmir’s Sopore area, 23 persons were found violating orders issued by the District Magistrate, Baramulla. Similar checks were reported from Kulgam, where on-ground inspections were carried out in busy market areas.

The restriction has also been extended beyond the Valley, with the District Magistrate of Udhampur imposing a two-month ban citing similar security concerns.

Officials said VPNs are often used to bypass online restrictions imposed after security operations, including blocks on websites and social media accounts flagged for propaganda or misinformation. While VPNs are commonly used worldwide for privacy, authorities maintain that unauthorised use during heightened security periods poses risks warranting temporary restrictions.

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The prohibition was ordered after security agencies reported increased threats in remote and elevated regions falling under the jurisdiction of the Kokernag sub-division.

Officials said unrestricted civilian movement in these areas could pose serious risks to public safety and complicate ongoing security operations.

Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Kokernag, Prince Kumar, issued the directive under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, which empowers district authorities to impose restrictions in situations that may threaten public order or safety.

“In recent incidents, certain persons attempted to cross police checkpoints during late-night hours, thereby raising serious concerns regarding public safety,” the order said.

It noted that unchecked movement in high-altitude and forest areas could be exploited for unlawful activities, adversely affecting law and order.

As per the order, trekking, camping, hiking, and similar outdoor recreational activities have been strictly prohibited in the areas of Margan Top, Chauhar Nag, and Sinthan Pass, all of which are known for their rugged terrain, dense forests, and strategic location connecting different regions of south Kashmir.

The directive comes into force with immediate effect and will remain valid for two months, unless withdrawn earlier or extended in accordance with the law.

The order also assigned responsibility for enforcement to the Station House Officer (SHO) of Larnoo Police Station, directing him to ensure strict implementation of the restrictions and closely monitor movement at all checkpoints in the affected areas.

Authorities warned that any violation of the order would invite legal action under relevant provisions of law.

Officials urged the general public, tourists, and adventure enthusiasts to cooperate with the administration and adhere strictly to the restrictions in the interest of public safety.

Kokernag and its surrounding regions, including Margan Top and Sinthan Pass, are popular among trekkers and nature lovers, especially during the summer months.

However, officials said security considerations must take precedence, particularly in sensitive and remote areas where surveillance and access control are challenging.

The administration said the situation would be reviewed periodically, and further decisions would be taken based on security assessments and ground conditions.

The post Security alert prompts trekking ban in high-altitude Kokernag areas appeared first on Greater Kashmir.

The action followed a district-wide verification and monitoring drive conducted by police to ensure compliance with the temporary suspension of VPN services, which was imposed on December 29, 2025, in Shopian and neighbouring Kulgam district due to security considerations.

During the verification exercise, authorities identified 15 individuals allegedly found using VPN services in violation of the prohibitive orders. The matter was subjected to detailed technical analysis and background verification to assess potential security implications.

“Following scrutiny, no terror-related links or adverse antecedents were found against any of the individuals, and no FIR has been registered in the case,” police said.

However, as a preventive and precautionary measure, security proceedings were initiated against ten adults for violating lawful orders. The remaining five individuals were minors and were counselled instead of facing legal action.

The minors were counselled in the presence of their parents or guardians, with police officials focusing on digital awareness, lawful online behaviour, and the possible legal consequences of violating official orders. Authorities said the approach was aimed at sensitisation rather than punitive action.

The VPN suspension was ordered by district administrations in Shopian and Kulgam following inputs from security agencies, which flagged concerns over the misuse of encrypted communication platforms to evade digital surveillance during sensitive periods. Officials said VPNs can potentially be used to mask online activity, complicating monitoring efforts during heightened security alerts.

Similar restrictions on VPN usage have been imposed intermittently in parts of south Kashmir and other sensitive areas of the Union Territory in the past, particularly during periods of increased militant activity, major security operations, or after intelligence warnings. Authorities have maintained that such measures are temporary and preventive in nature, aimed at safeguarding public order and national security.

Police have urged residents to strictly adhere to lawful orders and cooperate with the administration, reiterating that violations—especially during periods of heightened alert—could invite legal consequences.

Officials said the situation is being reviewed regularly, and further decisions regarding the continuation or withdrawal of the VPN ban will be taken based on security assessments and ground conditions.

The enforcement action signals authorities’ intent to strictly implement the VPN restrictions, even as no direct security threats have been linked to the violators identified so far.

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In a New Year message posted on X, J&K Police called upon citizens to adopt a simple but effective digital safety mantra: “Be Cyber Alert — STOP. THINK. Then TAKE ACTION” before clicking on links, responding to messages or making online payments.

“Festive occasions and holidays witness a sharp rise in online activity, including shopping, digital payments and social media use. Cyber criminals take advantage of this rush and the lowered guard of users,” a senior cyber police official said. “A few seconds of caution can prevent financial loss and emotional distress.”

Cyber police officials said fraudsters commonly circulate fake New Year greetings embedded with malicious links, phishing emails promising prizes or refunds, fraudulent payment requests, and impersonation calls posing as banks, courier services or government officials.

“People often receive messages claiming they have won a New Year gift or need to urgently update bank details. These are classic traps,” the official said. “Citizens should never share OTPs, PINs or personal details, no matter how convincing the caller or message appears.”

Advising basic cyber hygiene, officials urged people to verify the authenticity of links and payment requests, avoid downloading unknown attachments, use strong and unique passwords, and enable two-factor authentication on banking and social media accounts. Regular updates of mobile phones and applications were also recommended to guard against cyber vulnerabilities.

Emphasising the importance of swift reporting, police said victims of cyber fraud should immediately lodge complaints on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal or approach the nearest cyber police station.

“Timely reporting helps us block transactions and recover money in many cases. Delay often works in favour of criminals,” a cyber crime official said.

Authorities also appealed to parents and elders to guide children and senior citizens, who are often targeted due to lack of awareness. “Cyber safety is a shared responsibility. Families must talk openly about online risks,” the official added.

As 2026 begins, police and cyber agencies reiterated their commitment to strengthening digital safety awareness through outreach programmes, workshops and online campaigns.

The post J&K Police warn of online fraud spike during festive season appeared first on Greater Kashmir.

In the Shopian district, police registered 72 FIRs under the NDPS Act and arrested 84 accused involved in drug peddling and trafficking. As a strong deterrent, 10 habitual offenders were booked under the PIT NDPS Act. During the year, police seized 317.53 kilograms of narcotics, including charas, cannabis, poppy straw and heroin, besides recovering 24,700 ml of codeine-based syrup and 195 psychotropic tablets. The seized contraband was valued at several crores. Four residential properties worth around Rs 1 crore were attached following due legal process. Police also destroyed 716.86 kilograms of contraband and 23,700 ml of illicit drug bottles linked to 58 old NDPS cases, and uprooted wild cannabis cultivated on nearly 100 kanals of state land.

Kulgam Police registered 87 NDPS cases against 111 accused and recovered narcotics worth several crores. Two major cases resulted in convictions, with courts awarding sentences of 10 years’ rigorous imprisonment and life imprisonment, respectively. Seven residential houses valued at Rs 4.32 crore were attached under the NDPS Act, while one motorcycle was attached under the UAPA to disrupt logistical support. Police also destroyed illicit poppy and bhang cultivation spread over 46 kanals and destroyed 210.78 kilograms of narcotics worth about Rs 1 crore at an authorised biomedical waste facility. In addition, Kulgam Police registered 167 FIRs against illegal mining, seized 235 vehicles and recovered nearly Rs 79.6 lakh for victims of cyber fraud. Under the Civic Action Programme, Rs 10.94 lakh was spent on youth and community initiatives.

Awantipora Police registered 62 NDPS cases and arrested 96 accused, with 12 booked under PIT NDPS. Four properties worth ₹1.56 crore were attached, large tracts of illicit poppy and wild bhang cultivation were destroyed, and significant quantities of heroin, cannabis, poppy straw and charas were seized. Beyond narcotics, police neutralised three terrorists in a single encounter, busted terror modules, arrested absconders, seized vehicles involved in illegal mining and recovered over Rs 28 lakh in cyber fraud cases.

Pulwama Police registered 115 NDPS cases, arrested 136 individuals and challaned 101 cases during the year. Eleven offenders were booked under PIT NDPS, 14 bank accounts were frozen, and properties were attached under Section 68-F of the NDPS Act. Police seized large quantities of poppy straw, cannabis powder, charas, heroin, brown sugar, ganja, opium poppy, codeine bottles and liquor, while recovering or saving over Rs 40.5 lakh for cybercrime victims.

The post South Kashmir Police intensify anti-drug offensive in 2025 appeared first on Greater Kashmir.

Authorities have stepped up vigilance at key tourist destinations, major roadways, and along the Line of Control (LoC) and the International Border as a precautionary measure.

Senior police officials said there were no specific inputs about threats but emphasised that comprehensive arrangements have been put in place to ensure peaceful celebrations. “There are no credible inputs regarding the movement of inimical elements. However, as a precaution, enhanced security measures have been implemented across the UT to maintain peace,” a senior police official said, adding that no attempt to disturb normalcy would be tolerated.

A multi-layered security grid has been established at prominent tourist locations across the Kashmir Valley. Officials said additional deployments have been made at hotels, public spaces and areas likely to witness large gatherings. In Srinagar, security checks have been intensified at entry and exit points, major intersections and tourist hubs, including Dal Lake. Joint teams of the J&K Police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) are carrying out vehicle checks, document verification and increased patrolling.

Surveillance has also been enhanced at venues hosting New Year events, with additional checkpoints set up and intensified patrolling along vital road corridors to prevent any untoward incident. “Vehicles are being thoroughly checked at all major entry and exit points of Srinagar, and a high level of alertness is being maintained at key tourist destinations,” officials said.

Last week, Inspector General of Police, Kashmir Zone, V K Birdi reviewed the security preparedness during a high-level meeting at the Police Control Room, Kashmir. He directed that all arrangements be completed in advance and stressed heightened checking at naka points, particularly during night hours, along with increased vigilance at sensitive locations.

With tourist footfall expected to rise during the New Year period, officials said coordination among various security agencies has been strengthened to ensure swift response to any situation, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to providing a safe and secure environment for residents and visitors alike.

The post Security tightened across J&K on New Year’s eve appeared first on Greater Kashmir.

On April 22, gunfire tore through the meadow and through Kashmir’s fragile calm.

The killing of 26 tourists in Pahalgam marked a brutal shift in Kashmir’s conflict, triggering security escalations, public outrage, and the collapse of a hard-won tourism revival, reshaping 2025 into a year defined by fear, fallout, and fractured stability.

The calm that Jammu and Kashmir had cautiously rebuilt in recent years was violently shattered on April 22 when terrorists carried out the deadly attack on tourists in Baisaran near Pahalgam, one of Kashmir’s most popular scenic destinations.

The assault, which claimed 26 lives, emerged as the deadliest civilian-targeted terror strike in Kashmir in decades, sending shockwaves across the country.

The attack not only raised serious concerns over security and communal harmony but also dealt a severe blow to Kashmir’s economic recovery and tourism-led revival narrative that had gained momentum after 2019.

While Kashmir had witnessed a relative decline in major terror incidents following the abrogation of Article 370, low-intensity conflict persisted in the form of sporadic encounters, infiltration attempts and targeted killings.

However, the April 22 Pahalgam attack stood apart for its scale, symbolism, and impact, marking a shift in terror tactics towards high-profile tourist targets.

Baisaran Meadow, often dubbed ‘Mini Switzerland,’ lies around 5 to 7 km from Pahalgam town in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district and is accessible only on foot or by pony.

Between 1 pm and 2:45 pm on April 22, armed terrorists reportedly emerged from surrounding forests and opened indiscriminate fire at tourists.

Survivors said that the attackers identified victims based on religious identity, selectively targeting men while sparing women and children in some instances.

In all, 25 tourists and one local were killed, while more than 20 others sustained injuries.

Security forces launched an extensive counter-terror operation codenamed ‘Operation Mahadev’ to track down the perpetrators.

By July 28, the government announced that those responsible for the carnage had been eliminated in encounters in the Dachigam forest area near Harwan.

The Pahalgam massacre triggered intensified counter-terror operations across Kashmir, along with heightened security along the Line of Control (LoC).

In May, the Indian Army carried out cross-border strikes, referred to as ‘Operation Sindoor’, targeting terror infrastructure across the border.

The fallout was felt sharply in border districts like Poonch, Rajouri, Kupwara, and Baramulla, which witnessed heavy shelling in subsequent days.

At least 20 civilians were killed, over 2000 structures were damaged, and dozens of schools were destroyed.

For the first time in over three decades, spontaneous protests erupted across Kashmir, condemning the attack.

Protesters across towns and villages raised the slogan ‘Not in my name,’ signalling widespread public rejection of violence.

Tourism – one of the main pillars of Kashmir’s economy – suffered its worst setback in years.

Kashmir had recorded a strong start to 2025, with an estimated 5 to 8 lakh tourists visiting in the first quarter, driven by attractions such as the Tulip Garden.

That momentum collapsed overnight.

Thousands of tourists fled immediately after the attack, with special flights arranged for evacuation.

Booking cancellations crossed 13 lakh by August, and tourist footfall dropped by more than 50 percent in the first half of the year compared to 2024.

Nearly 50 popular tourist destinations were shut on security grounds, hotel occupancy plummeted, and thousands of workers – pony operators, guides, shikara owners and hotel staff – were pushed into unemployment.

The ripple effects were felt across hospitality, transport, and handicrafts.

Beyond violence, Kashmir also grappled with natural and economic challenges, including disruptions to apple exports due to flooding and highway closures.

However, timely intervention by the Indian Railways helped transport produce to markets.

The launch of the Vande Bharat train connecting Kashmir with the rest of the country provided some relief, reducing travel time and costs and facilitating the movement of civilians, food supplies, and military equipment.

Yet, despite these interventions, 2025 will be remembered as a year when a single terror attack unravelled years of fragile stability, leaving deep scars on Kashmir’s security, economy and collective psyche.

The post From Meadow to Mayhem appeared first on Greater Kashmir.

Figures show that 84 cases involved small quantities of drugs, 66 related to intermediate quantities, while 22 cases pertained to commercial quantities, indicating the continued presence of organised drug networks operating within the district.

The operations were carried under the supervision of Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Srinagar, Dr G V Sundeep Chakraborty. SSP Srinagar, officials said, had off and on directed an intensified campaign to dismantle drug networks operating in the district.

As part of the sustained anti-narcotics campaign, police arrested 291 persons for their involvement in drug peddling and illicit trafficking. Officials said the operations were aimed at disrupting the entire drug supply chain — from street-level peddlers to larger syndicates and their financial backers.

During multiple raids, naka checking operations, and targeted searches conducted across Srinagar, police recovered significant quantities of contraband. The seizures included 1.473 kg of heroin, 9.110 kg of brown sugar, and 20.583 kg of charas. In addition, 71.506 kg of poppy straw, bung and cannabis were seized.

The drive also resulted in the recovery of synthetic and pharmaceutical drugs. Police seized 1.950 kg of crystal meth and similar substances, along with 23,767 psychotropic tablets and capsules. Besides this, 799 bottles of psychotropic syrups, including codeine-based cough syrups, and 89 injectable vials were recovered.

In one of the biggest plant-based narcotics recoveries of the year, Srinagar Police seized 130.143 kg of ganja, officials said.

In a parallel financial investigation aimed at choking the proceeds of crime, police froze 208 bank accounts linked to drug traffickers. Cash amounting to `2.93 lakh was seized during operations, while an additional `25.62 lakh was recovered from frozen accounts.

Property attachment emerged as a key focus area of the enforcement strategy. Police attached nine movable properties valued at approximately `0.311 crore and 29 immovable properties worth an estimated `40.27 crore under relevant provisions of the NDPS Act. The total market valuation of attached assets stood at `40.58 crore.

Police also seized 58 vehicles allegedly used for transporting or facilitating the narcotics trade during the year.

“Our focus has not been limited to arrests and recoveries. We are targeting the financial backbone of narcotics syndicates by freezing bank accounts, attaching properties, and identifying repeat and high-value offenders,” a senior official of District Police Srinagar said.

He said the operations were carried out under the close supervision of SSP Srinagar and involved coordinated efforts by police stations, special teams, and intelligence units.

“We are determined to ensure that the proceeds of crime are denied to those involved in drug trafficking. The message is clear: anyone indulging in the narcotics trade will face stringent legal action,” the official added.

Srinagar Police said the anti-narcotics drive would continue in the coming months with enhanced surveillance, intelligence-led operations, and community outreach programmes, particularly aimed at protecting youth from falling prey to drug abuse.

The post A Year of Action: Srinagar Police step up war against drugs appeared first on Greater Kashmir.

According to separate prohibitory orders issued by the respective District Magistrates, the use of VPN services has been suspended across the three districts for a period of two months. The orders cite potential threats to public order, cybersecurity and law and order as the primary reasons for imposing the restrictions.

Officials said the decisions were taken following inputs from the police indicating a spike in VPN usage by a “significant number of suspicious internet users,” raising apprehensions about possible misuse of such services.

“Whereas VPN services have the potential to be exploited for unlawful and anti-national activities, including incitement of unrest, dissemination of misleading or inflammatory content, and coordination of activities prejudicial to the maintenance of public order, tranquillity and national security,” the orders stated.

The District Magistrates have warned that any violation of the prohibitory orders will invite legal action and have directed the police and other enforcement agencies to ensure strict implementation of the ban “in letter and spirit.”

With these notifications, Budgam, Shopian and Kulgam have joined the list of districts in the Valley where restrictions on VPN usage have been imposed. Officials said several other districts across Jammu and Kashmir had already enforced similar bans in recent weeks.

Over the past month, more than 10 individuals have been booked across the Union Territory for using VPN applications in violation of district-level prohibitory orders.

Last week, two persons—identified as Khalid Abrar and Mohammad Irfan—were booked in Doda district after being found using VPN services on their mobile phones in contravention of such orders.

Security officials maintain that VPNs are often misused to bypass online monitoring and control mechanisms put in place by law enforcement agencies. Such misuse, they said, can facilitate the spread of misinformation, coordination of unlawful activities and access to prohibited online content.

Authorities have also flagged concerns that cyber adversaries exploit VPN services to mask malicious activities such as identity theft, network infiltration and other cyber crimes, making it difficult to trace offenders.

The administration said the restrictions are preventive in nature and aimed at maintaining peace, public order and cyber security in sensitive areas of the Union Territory.

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