Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Home Department has temporarily suspended mobile data services on 37 telecom towers in the Bhaderwah area of Doda district. The shutdown will remain in effect till May 27, 2025.
The order, issued under Government Order No: Home-12(TSTS) of 2025 and signed by Principal Secretary Chandraker Bharti, confirms earlier directions from the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Jammu Zone. These directions were issued under the Temporary Suspension of Telecommunication Service Rules, 2024, which allow the authorized officer to take immediate action in situations deemed sensitive to national security and public peace.
According to the Home Department, the temporary telecom shutdown affects all mobile data services including 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, and public Wi-Fi facilities. The order cites the likelihood of these services being misused by “anti-national elements and miscreants,” which could potentially lead to a deterioration of public order in the region.
The initial suspension was enforced on May 22 at 8 PM following IGP Jammu’s Order No. 675(TSTS) of 2025. A supporting communication—Letter No. JZ/CS/Snap-Down/2025/678-79—outlined the imminent threat posed by unrestricted mobile data access during a sensitive period.
“In the interest of the sovereignty and integrity of India, the security of the State/UT, and for maintaining public order, I am satisfied that the action taken by the Authorized Officer was necessary,” read the confirmation order issued by the Principal Secretary to the Government, Home Department.
The government clarified that prior approval from the competent authority was not required in this case due to the urgency and critical nature of the situation. The move is grounded in legal provisions under the new Telecommunication Act, 2023, combined with the 2024 Suspension Rules.
The affected telecom service providers (TSPs) and internet service providers (ISPs) have been directed to ensure compliance with the order for the entire duration specified.
Officials have urged the public to cooperate with the temporary inconvenience, stressing that such actions are taken only in exceptional circumstances where the risk to public safety is considerable. [KNT]
