‘Action will extend beyond local drug smugglers’

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has ordered a major escalation of the Union Territory’s anti-drug campaign, directing authorities to strengthen the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF), expand rehabilitation facilities, intensify surveillance of drug hotspots and target networks linked to narco-terrorism.

The directions were issued during a high-level review meeting at Lok Bhavan in Srinagar on May 29, attended by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat and senior officials from the home, health, education and other departments.

Sinha directed police to augment the ANTF with additional manpower and improve operational coordination against drug trafficking networks. He also ordered closer monitoring of abandoned buildings, isolated areas and other locations allegedly used for narcotics-related activities.

The Lieutenant Governor instructed authorities to strengthen de-addiction and rehabilitation infrastructure across Jammu and Kashmir and ensure regular monitoring of counselling and treatment services, particularly for young people affected by substance abuse.

The review meeting marked the latest phase of the administration’s 100-day “Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir Abhiyan”, launched on April 11 to combat drug abuse, trafficking and alleged links between narcotics networks and terrorism financing.

The campaign has already resulted in large-scale enforcement action. Speaking at a public gathering in Bandipora on May 25, Sinha said nearly 800 FIRs had been registered, around 950 individuals arrested and approximately 850 PIT-NDPS cases initiated during the first 45 days of the drive.

He said authorities had attached properties linked to drug networks and taken measures including the seizure of driving licences and passports of offenders.

“Drug money is funding terrorism,” Sinha said during the event, describing narco-terrorism as one of the most serious threats facing Jammu and Kashmir.

The anti-drug campaign has increasingly expanded beyond local enforcement measures. On May 27, police officials said action would not remain confined to drug smugglers operating within the Union Territory but would also focus on individuals and support networks linked to cross-border narcotics trafficking.

According to officials, the next phase of the operation will target associates and supporters of traffickers allegedly operating from Pakistan.

Earlier, Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat issued a warning to Pakistan-based alleged narcotics trafficker Shehzad Bhatti, stating that police would continue action against networks involved in pushing narcotics into Jammu and Kashmir.

Alongside enforcement measures, authorities have intensified public awareness efforts under the campaign.

On May 27, Jammu and Kashmir Police launched a first-of-its-kind “On-Wheel Cartoon Exhibition” from Katra. The mobile exhibition, featuring anti-drug awareness cartoons by social cartoonist Chandrashekhar, is scheduled to travel through towns, villages, schools, colleges and public spaces across the Union Territory.

Police said the initiative was aimed at reaching people directly and encouraging community participation in the fight against drug abuse.

Awareness activities have also continued at the district level. On May 29, government departments, educational institutions and local bodies organised outreach programmes, pledge ceremonies and awareness campaigns across Kathua district to educate students, youth and local residents about the consequences of substance abuse.

Religious leaders have also joined the campaign. On May 25, Sinha welcomed the growing participation of religious scholars and community elders, saying their involvement was helping strengthen public awareness and social resistance to drug abuse.

The campaign’s public mobilisation efforts began gaining momentum earlier in May. On May 3, Sinha led a large anti-drug rally in Srinagar attended by political leaders, religious figures, security officials, students and representatives of civil society.

At the rally, he described drug trafficking as both a social and security challenge and announced a three-pronged strategy focused on dismantling supply chains, raising public awareness and rehabilitating individuals affected by addiction.

Official figures released during the rally showed that between April 11 and May 2, authorities registered 481 FIRs, jailed 518 alleged drug smugglers and peddlers, demolished 24 properties allegedly linked to drug proceeds and recommended cancellation of hundreds of vehicle registrations connected to narcotics cases.

Officials say the campaign will continue through its remaining duration with a combination of enforcement, rehabilitation and public outreach measures aimed at reducing drug abuse and disrupting trafficking networks across Jammu and Kashmir.