India’s VPN Ban in Kashmir Increases Resident Stress

Basit Banday, a 27-year-old IT professional in Kashmir, faces job insecurity following a two-month VPN ban imposed by the Indian government, citing national security concerns. The ban restricts secure access to sensitive healthcare data, essential for his work. The crackdown has led to police actions against over 100 individuals for violating the ban, reflecting ongoing internet restrictions in the region. Kashmir has a history of internet shutdowns, with nearly 50% of India’s 901 recorded cases attributed to the area.