In a major crackdown on terrorist activities, the Central government has banned 14 mobile messaging apps that were being used by terror groups in Jammu and Kashmir to communicate among themselves and their handlers in Pakistan.

The banned apps include Crypviser, Enigma, Safeswiss, Wickrme, Mediafire, Briar, BChat, Nandbox, Conion, IMO, Element, Second line, Zangi and Threema which were posing a threat to national security.

“While tracking down terrorist communications, the security agencies found that some of the mobile apps do not have representatives in India and it is difficult to track down activities happening on the app,” news agency ANI cited an official as saying.

Intelligence agencies prepared a list of these apps that pose a threat to national security and do not follow Indian laws. The list was sent to the Centre after which the concerned Ministry has issued orders to block the 14 apps under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000.