Rehan Qayoom Mir
Srinagar, Dec 30: Divisional Commissioner (Div Com) Kashmir, Anshul Garg, on Tuesday said the ban on Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) in several districts of Kashmir has been ordered in the overall interest of society following security reviews carried out by the respective Deputy Commissioners.
Speaking to reporters in Srinagar, the Div Com said that every DC conducts independent security assessments based on local inputs.
“You must have seen that DCs in Kupwara, Kulgam, Shopian and other districts have issued prohibitory orders. Such measures are taken whenever required to prevent misuse by anti-social elements,” he said. “Many people get caught up in the misuse of such networks. These decisions are taken in the overall interest of society to safeguard the public.”
The Divisional Commissioner said the administration is on full alert following the Meteorological Department’s advisory of snowfall in the Valley. “Our Integrated Command and Control Centre works 24×7. Helpline numbers have been widely circulated, and all calls from the public are being responded to immediately,” he said.
Garg said that all Deputy Commissioners have established district-level control rooms, also manned round the clock. “All executing agencies, including the Mechanical Engineering Department, PWD, Beacon, PMGSY, National Highways, SMC and other urban local bodies have activated and pre-positioned their machinery to ensure prompt snow clearance,” he said.
The Div Com said buffer stocks and essential supplies have been arranged across the Valley. “Distribution transformers and transfer oil stocks have been kept in excess capacity to prevent power disruptions,” he said.
He added that the Food and Civil Supplies Department completed its dumping by November 30 in all border and remote areas, while 893 snow-bound stations have been stocked with LPG for the next four months.
The Health Department, he said, has also ensured that all medical institutions in hard-to-reach areas are equipped with heating arrangements and adequate medicines. “Vulnerable patients and pregnant women have been mapped and advised to shift to safer zones,” he said.
“With the tourist footfall increasing and weather turning favourable, all departments are maintaining round-the-clock preparedness to ensure public convenience,” Garg added. (KNO)
