Following recent gun battles with terrorists, the Jammu and Kashmir government has suspended mobile internet services in parts of Kishtwar until January 30, 2026, to prevent misinformation and assist security forces during search operations.
In a move to fortify regional security, the Jammu and Kashmir Home Department has ordered the temporary suspension of all mobile internet services across three specific pockets of the Kishtwar district: Singhpora, Chingam, and Chatroo.
The directive, which came into effect at 12:01 am on January 29, is slated to remain active until 11:59 pm on January 30, 2026. This digital blockade covers all generations of mobile data—2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G—along within a six-kilometre radius of the designated areas.
The order was issued by Principal Secretary (Home) Chandraker Bharti, acting on specific intelligence provided by the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Jammu Zone. Officials have emphasized that the suspension is a “preemptive measure” designed to hinder the ability of anti-national elements to communicate or spread inflammatory content that could incite public disorder.
According to the official communiqué, the step was necessary to safeguard the “sovereignty and integrity of India” and ensure the safety of the residents in the Union Territory.
High-Stakes Operations in the Chatroo Forest
The communication blackout is intrinsically linked to a series of high-intensity counter-terror operations currently unfolding in the hilly terrain of Kishtwar. For over a week, security forces-including the Indian Army and the Special Operations Group (SOG) of the J&K Police-have been engaged in Operation Trashi-I.
The mission aims to neutralise a group of two to three terrorists, suspected to be affiliated with the Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) outfit, who are believed to be hiding in the dense, snow-bound Janseer-Kandiwar forest.
The urgency of the situation was underscored by a fierce encounter on January 25, where a joint search party intercepted movement in the dead of night. Although the terrorists managed to escape under the cover of thick vegetation and heavy snowfall, the engagement marked the third such clash in the Chatroo belt within seven days.
This follows a tragic gun battle on January 18 in Sonnar village, which claimed the life of an Indian Army paratrooper and left several other personnel injured.
Despite two feet of snow and sub-zero temperatures, authorities are currently utilizing advanced technology, including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), drones, and sniffer dogs, to track the evading group.
A History of Digital Resilience and Constraints
Kishtwar and its neighbouring districts have historically been sensitive zones where the administration frequently employs internet shutdowns as a tool for “preventive policing.” While the Temporary Suspension of Telecommunication Services Rules, 2024, provides the legal framework for such actions, the impact on the local populace remains a point of significant debate.
For the residents of the Chatroo belt, these 48 hours of silence mean a total disruption of digital life, affecting everything from online banking and education to emergency communication.
Critics often point out that while these measures are intended to stop the spread of rumours, they also create an information vacuum that can be equally dangerous.
In recent years, Jammu and Kashmir has seen a shift toward more localized and time-bound shutdowns compared to the prolonged blackouts of the past. However, the reliance on this tactic remains high.
Residents in these remote mountainous areas often find themselves caught between the necessity of security operations and the essential need for connectivity, particularly during harsh winter months when physical travel is restricted by heavy snow.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
At The Logical Indian, we acknowledge that the safety of our soldiers and the security of our borders are non-negotiable. The sacrifice of the martyred paratrooper is a somber reminder of the risks faced by those protecting the nation.
However, we must also reflect on the growing trend of treating internet access as a “switch” that can be turned off at the first sign of trouble. In a “Digital India,” the internet is the backbone of our economy and a primary tool for transparency.
While the administration justifies these shutdowns as a means to prevent violence, they often act as a form of collective punishment for the law-abiding majority. We believe that true peace is built on a foundation of trust and open communication.
Moving forward, the government should explore more nuanced alternatives-such as blocking specific social media platforms or targeting specific accounts-rather than a blanket ban that isolates entire communities.
Security and civil liberties must not be seen as a zero-sum game; they are two sides of the same coin in a thriving democracy.
