Tensions in J&K: Pakistan continues firing across LoC, Jammu schools conduct mock drill, VPN prohibited in Doda

The Union Home Ministry has directed states and Union Territories to conduct mock drills on Wednesday. The states and UTs have been asked to operationalise air raid warning sirens, implement crash blackout measures in select areas and train civilians, including students, on safety protocols.

On the cross LoC firing, the Army said Tuesday, “During the night of May 5-6, Pakistan Army resorted to unprovoked small-arms firing from posts across the Line of Control in areas opposite Kupwara, Baramulla, Poonch, Rajauri, Mendhar, Naushera, Sunderbani, and Akhnoor in J&K,” the Army said, adding that it responded in a “proportionate manner”.

The cross-border firing, which started in a few sectors following India’s suspension of the Indus Water Treaty as part of the response to the Pahalgam attack that left 26 civilians dead, has spread to the entire LoC along J&K since Saturday night. In the past, ceasefire violations typically remained restricted to one or two areas.

For the prohibition of the use of VPN in Doda district, authorities cited public safety, cyber security and the overall integrity of digital governance in the district.

An order issued by District Magistrate Harvinder Singh said that it has been brought to notice that certain individuals and groups are misusing VPNs to circumvent lawful cyber restrictions and access prohibited applications, websites and digital content, thereby posing a serious threat to public order, tranquillity and national security.

The order will apply to all individuals, institutions, cyber cafes and internet service providers (ISP) operating in the district, the order said. The Doda SSP has been asked to ensure the implementation of the order.

Meanwhile, the Army on Tuesday apprehended a Pakistani national from near the LoC in Poonch district’s Chakkan Da Bagh area. Officials said the person was being questioned.