Srinagar, Jan 2: Police in Shopian district have initiated “security proceedings” against ten individuals and counselled five minors for violating government orders prohibiting the use of virtual private network (VPN) services in the Union Territory, officials said Tuesday.
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.