In a major action against the communication channels of terror groups operating in Jammu & Kashmir, the Centre on Monday banned 14 mobile messaging applications which were being used by jehadi outfits to communicate with their cadres, supporters and overground workers.
The Government’s move came after the recommendation of the Union Home Ministry that these mobile based communication apps were used by the terror outfits based on substantial evidence collected by the intelligence and security agencies in the Kashmir valley, sources said.
The banned applications include Crypviser, Enigma, Safeswiss, Wickrme, Mediafire, Briar, BChat, Nandbox, Conion, IMO, Element, Second Line, Zangi, and Threema.
These apps have been blocked under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000, the official said, adding that these apps are detrimental to national security and also not in accordance with the prescribed Indian laws.
The sources in the security forces deployed in the Union Territory said that these applications were getting traction and downloaded in the PoK region which alerted the agencies, leading to surveillance being mounted on these apps.
They also said that these apps were used to pass instructions to the modules and also used in executing terror incidents in the Valley.
In the official communications to higher-ups, the intelligence agencies warned that these apps are spreading terror propaganda in the Valley and also to radicalize the gullible youths of Kashmir to join the jihadist outfits.
The security agencies monitor channels used by the overground workers and the terrorists handlers for secret communication. While tracking down one of the communications, agencies found that the mobile application does not have representatives in India, and it was difficult to track down activities happening on the app, they said.
At times the apprehended over ground workers also reveal about these clandestine applications being used by the ultras, they said.
Earlier, the government has banned several mobile apps used by hostile neighboring countries which used it for anti-India propaganda and conducting low intensity warfare.