J&K : Terrorists Using Virtual SIM Cards To Stay Safe From The Radar Of Security Forces

Srinagar : Terrorist organizations have now conspired to use the virtual SIM card for the terrorists operating in Kashmir in order to escape the grip of security forces. The increasing use of virtual SIM cards by terrorists has also raised the concern of security forces. According to sources, through this technique, terrorists get instructions from their handlers operating from Pakistan to carry out activities. This technique used by terrorists in Kashmir was uncovered during the Pulwama attack in the year 2019.The Jaish-e-Muhammad suicide bomber involved in the Pulwama attack also used a virtual SIM card to talk to his handlers. Indian security agencies then asked the US for information about who provided the virtual SIM card. 40 CRPF personnel were killed in the Pulwama attack. The case was investigated in detail by the NIA.

The NIA had said in its report that 40 virtual SIM cards were used by the terrorists during the Pulwama attack. A security official said that more such SIM cards are being used in Kashmir.

This technology is also dangerous because these SIM cards are operated from abroad. In this, the computer automatically creates a telephone number. The user downloads the mobile application of the service provider in their mobile phone. This telephone number is linked to social networking sites such as WhatsApp, Facebook, Telegram and Twitter. To activate this virtual service, the networking site itself creates the verification code and it can be obtained on the mobile phone.

Officials said that the virtual numbers used were already associated with the country code or mobile station International Subscriber Directory Number (MSISDN). In addition to the US, the virtual SIM card service is operated by telecom companies in Canada, UK, Israel, but they are controlled by the US. Mobile phones are sent for forensic analysis to determine whether a virtual SIM card is used.