Rajouri/Poonch, November 30: District administrations in Rajouri and Poonch have directed the immediate suspension of Virtual Private Network (VPN) services, citing public safety and security concerns.
Officials said the decision was taken following reports from security agencies that VPNs were being misused to bypass monitoring systems, mask IP addresses, and transmit encrypted data. The shutdown has been ordered under relevant provisions of law “in the interest of administration” with immediate effect.
District Magistrate Rajouri Abhishek Sharma confirmed that the suspension will remain in force for two months, while similar orders were issued in Poonch after inputs from police and intelligence agencies.
Authorities clarified that essential and government services are not expected to be affected. However, residents relying on VPNs for personal or professional use may face disruptions during the period of suspension.
The administrations emphasized that the measure is preventive, aimed at maintaining law and order in sensitive border districts, and assured that services will be restored once the situation normalizes.
