Jammu and Kashmir Police on Saturday launched an extensive drive across several districts in Kashmir to curb the potential misuse of SIM cards for anti-national activities.
The initiative aims to ensure lawful usage of SIM cards and strengthen accountability in their distribution, officials said.
In the past, there have been several instances where militants or overground workers had procured SIM cards either by forging documents or stolen identities.
Inspections were conducted on SIM card vendors in Srinagar, Anantnag, Baramulla, and Budgam districts to ensure compliance with prescribed rules and guidelines.
In Srinagar, special teams from each police station in all five zones were deployed to carry out the drive within their respective jurisdictions.
During the first day of the drive, a meticulous scrutiny of over 100 SIM card vendors was conducted to verify that SIM cards are being issued exclusively to individuals with genuine credentials, a police statement said.
In Anantnag a comprehensive district-wide inspection of SIM card vendors was carried out.
Police said the inspection focused on verifying adherence to Know Your Customer (KYC) norms, proper documentation, and preventing unauthorized issuance of SIM cards.
“Vendors were monitored to ensure their operations comply with all legal and regulatory requirements,” police said.
The vendors were warned that any non-compliance would attract severe legal action, including penalties, cancellation of licenses, and prosecution.
In north Kashmir’s Baramulla district, police conducted the drive in Baramulla, Sheeri, Boniyar, Uri, Bijhama, Kreeri, Pattan, Kunzer-Tangmarg and Gulmarg zones.
In Budgam. Police conducted a comprehensive inspection of SIM card vendors across the district.
Police said such inspections will continue in the coming days to achieve the mandatory objective of security of all citizens.
