JAMMU: The Jammu and Kashmir government has ordered a temporary suspension of mobile internet services in the Bhaderwah area of Doda district, citing concerns over the potential misuse of data services by anti-national elements to disrupt public order, according to reports in the media.
The suspension order, issued by Principal Secretary (Home) Chandraker Bharti, is based on a recommendation made by Inspector General of Police (Jammu Zone) Bhim Sen Tuti. As per the order, mobile data services have been blocked on 74 telecom towers — 56 operated by Reliance Jio and 18 by Airtel — from 8 pm on May 22 to 8 pm on May 27.
The government invoked the Temporary Suspension of Telecommunication Services Rules, 2024, to justify the measure. “The IGP, Jammu Zone, being the authorised officer under sub-rule (1) of rule 3… has issued directions to the telecom service providers and internet service providers to suspend mobile data services temporarily on towers in the Bhaderwah area,” reads the order (No. Home-12 (TSTS) of 2025), dated May 23.
The order further states that mobile data services across all technologies — 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G — as well as public Wi-Fi facilities are being suspended to prevent any deterioration in public order.
The Bhaderwah region, located in the Chenab Valley of Jammu province, shares a boundary with the upper reaches of Kathua district. Security agencies have remained alert in the area following reports that terrorists had allegedly infiltrated the region through Kathua last year.
