US National Detained in Srinagar With Satellite Phone Raises Security Questions

A security incident at Srinagar airport has brought the sensitive issue of illicit communications in Jammu and Kashmir back into focus. A United States national, accompanied by an aide of Kolkata origin, was detained after being found in possession of a satellite phone [1]. The device, identified as a Thuraya or Iridium model, is not permitted for use in border states like J&K without prior government authorisation, making the detention a significant security development [1]. The Strategic B