Overview
- Police said more than 130 people were identified on January 1 for using unauthorized VPN apps across the Valley.
- Pulwama accounted for 95 users; no terror links were found, no FIRs were filed, and security proceedings began against 43.
- In Sopore, 23 users were traced and proceedings were initiated against 15 for violating prohibitory orders.
- Officials reported action against five users in Anantnag and six in Kulgam, as district magistrates in all 10 Kashmir districts imposed bans.
- Checkpoints and random phone inspections are ongoing, while a separate Poonch operation recovered a drone-dropped payload including an IED, AK-47 rounds, and suspected narcotics.