Authorities in Kathua district, Jammu and Kashmir, have imposed a two-month ban on the use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), citing national security concerns related to their misuse by individuals and groups to bypass cyber restrictions. District Magistrate Rajesh Sharma issued the order under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, mandating compliance from all entities, including Internet Service Providers, with exceptions granted only through specific government permissions. The district’s senior superintendent of police is tasked with strict enforcement, emphasizing that violations will face legal repercussions. This measure underscores the government’s commitment to safeguarding cybersecurity and maintaining order amid ongoing challenges in the region.