Jammu/Kishtwar, Jan 30:
Authorities have imposed a temporary suspension of mobile internet services across key sectors of Kishtwar district. The move, described as a “precautionary security measure,” aims to thwart the potential misuse of high-speed data by anti-national elements during ongoing operations in the region.
The directive, issued by Chandraker Bharti, Principal Secretary to the Home Department, impacts all mobile data generations—including 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G.
Affected Areas & Timeline
The digital suspension is highly localized, focusing on a six-kilometer radius around three specific hubs. Residents in these areas will remain offline through the end of the week:
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Locations: Singhpora, Chingam, and Chatroo.
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Duration: From 12:01 AM on January 29 until 11:59 PM on January 30, 2026.
The Strategic Context: Anti-Terror Operations
While the official order cites “public order” and “sovereignty,” ground reports indicate the suspension coincides with an intensified anti-terror operation in the snowbound Chatroo belt.
Security forces are currently tracking a group of three holed-up Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terrorists. The operation has been ongoing following a recent gun battle in which an Army soldier was martyred. By cutting off high-speed data, authorities aim to:
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Stop Real-Time Intel: Prevent terrorists from receiving updates on troop movements.
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Curb Rumors: Stop the spread of inflammatory content or misinformation that could incite local unrest.
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Ensure Safety: Maintain the integrity of the search perimeter in challenging, snow-covered terrain.
Legal Framework
The order was executed under the Temporary Suspension of Telecommunication Services Rules, 2024, and the Telecommunication Act, 2023. The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Jammu Zone, provided the critical inputs that prompted the Home Department to act in the interest of the Union Territory’s security.
“The decision was taken to prevent possible misuse of high-speed data by miscreants, which could lead to a deterioration of public order and pose a threat to the security of the UT.” — Home Department Directive
Current Situation
As of Friday afternoon, security forces continue their hunt in the Pajja Morh and Nabana Top areas despite harsh winter conditions. While mobile data is down, voice calling and broadband services (where available) remain largely unaffected, though the situation is being monitored hourly.
