SRINAGAR – In a major crackdown on the virtual private network (VPN) users, the Jammu and Kashmir Police on Monday registered a case against unnamed people for defying government orders and misusing social media platforms.
In a statement issued here, a police spokesperson said that taking note of social media misuse; a case has been registered by the cyber police station against various users who misused social media in violation of the order issued by the government on January 14, 2020, banning all social media sites.
“The ban was ordered to stall the rumour mongering and spreading false and fake facts having the effect of causing social instability,” the spokesperson said.
He said that there have been continuous reports of misuse of social media sites by the “miscreants to propagate the secessionist ideology and to promote unlawful activities”.
“Social media has remained a favourite tool which largely provides anonymity to the user and also gives wide reach,” he said.
“The FIR has been registered while taking cognizance of the social media posts by the miscreants by use of different VPNs, which are propagating rumours with regard to the current security scenario of the Kashmir valley, propagating secessionist ideology and glorifying militancy acts/ militants,” the spokesperson added.
The police spokesperson said that a lot of incriminating material has also been seized in this regard.
“This is the first FIR registered in Cyber Police Station Kashmir Zone Srinagar since its notification by the Government. The case is registered under FIR No. 01 of 2020 U/S 13 U A (P) Act, 188, 505 of IPC and 66-A (b) of IT Act,” he said.
Meanwhile, IGP Kashmir Vijay Kumar-IPS has made an appeal to general public not to use social media via VPN.
Internet, Connectivity Will Be Eased Further: Advisor Sharma
Internet and connectivity issues in Jammu and Kashmir will be eased further in the coming months, Kewal Kumar Sharma, advisor to the Lt Governor of Jammu and Kashmir said here on Monday.
“The restrictions remain to make sure that these facilities are not misused for promoting disorder. In some months from now it should be possible to ease various restrictions related to the connectivity,” he said during an interaction with investors.
He was part of the Road Show by the Jammu and Kashmir government for its Global Investors Summit sometime in May this year.
Sharma also said after the Supreme Court directed to review the situation, the administration is holding meetings every week and every fortnight further relaxation in terms of access to internet is given.
Speaking about the law and order situation, he said the overall situation in Jammu and Kashmir is much changed after August 5 when special status to the state was withdrawn with the abrogation of Article 370 of the Constitution.
“Things are getting better and better,” he added.
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