New Delhi: In a big crackdown on terrorist activities, the Central government has banned  as many as 14 mobile messaging applications which were allegedly being excised by terror groups, largely in Jammu and Kashmir, to communicate with their supporters and Over Ground Workers (OGW) and also receive instructions from Pakistan, sources said.

The names of the blocked mobile messenger apps is not listed. However, a it said that apps including Crypviser, Wickrme, Mediafire, Enigma, Safeswiss, Briar, BChat, IMO, Element, Nandbox, Conion, Second line, Zangi, Threema among others have been blocked by the Centre.

Top sources said that it was discovered that terrorists in Kashmir were using these apps to contact their on-the-ground (OGW) personnel and supporters.  The apps were being used to get instructions from Pakistan.

On the advice of security and intelligence services, the decision was made. The request to prohibit these apps was made known to the relevant ministry along with a list of apps that are illegal in India and constitute a threat to national security. According to Section 69A of the Information Technology Act of 2000, these apps have been disabled, the official continued.

"Agencies monitor the channels that terrorists and Overground Workers (OGWs) use to communicate with one another. The mobile application does not have representation in India, making it impossible to follow activities taking place on the app, agencies discovered when tracing one of the communications, an official said.

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