Srinagar: The District Administration Budgam has ordered the immediate suspension of all Virtual Private Network services on mobile phones across Budgam district for a period of two months, citing concerns related to public safety, law and order, and data security.
The directive was issued by the District Magistrate Budgam under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita 2023 following a communication received from the Senior Superintendent of Police Budgam. The police report highlighted an unprecedented rise in the use of VPN services over the past few days across various parts of the district.
According to the official order, authorities observed that a significant number of internet users were accessing VPN platforms, which raised apprehensions about their possible misuse for unlawful and anti national activities. The administration noted that VPNs allow encrypted data transmission, conceal IP addresses, and enable users to bypass website restrictions and firewalls, making monitoring difficult.
The order states that such capabilities could be exploited for inciting unrest, circulating inflammatory content, and coordinating activities prejudicial to the maintenance of law and order. It further mentions that encrypted communication may expose sensitive information to cyber threats, thereby posing risks to data and information security.
In view of these concerns, the District Magistrate exercised statutory powers to suspend all types of VPN services on mobile devices within Budgam district. The suspension shall remain in force for two months from the date of issuance unless withdrawn earlier by the competent authority.
The administration clarified that the order has been passed ex parte as it was not feasible to serve individual notices to all concerned. The directive is being publicised through the district website, leading newspapers, electronic media, and by affixing copies on official notice boards of key district offices.
The Senior Superintendent of Police Budgam has been instructed to ensure strict implementation of the order in letter and spirit. Copies of the order have also been circulated to senior civil and police officials for information and necessary action.
The order was issued under the seal and signature of the District Magistrate Budgam on Dec 29, 2025. [KNT]
