Multi-pronged strategy: intensified legal action, FIRs, financial probes, property attachments
Srinagar, Apr 29: The Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir and Divisional Commissioner Kashmir on Tuesday co-chaired a high-level meeting at Police Control Room Kashmir to review the implementation and progress of the ongoing “Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyan,” a 100-day campaign aimed at combating drug abuse and illicit trafficking across the Union Territory.
The campaign, launched by the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, has been described as a time-bound and outcome-oriented initiative with a zero-tolerance approach towards drug peddling and related offences. The meeting was attended by all range Deputy Inspectors General of Police (DIsG) of Kashmir, Deputy Commissioners of all districts in the Kashmir Zone, Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs), Joint Director Prosecution ZPHQ and other senior officers.
At the outset, district SSPs briefed the chair about ongoing enforcement operations under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. They informed that sustained action has resulted in the arrest of more than 296 drug peddlers and registration of over 281 cases across the Valley. Officials said key drug trafficking hotspots have been identified for targeted interventions.
The SSPs further reported that approximately 460 awareness programmes have been conducted in educational institutions, panchayats and vulnerable areas to sensitise the public, particularly students, about the ill effects of drug abuse.
They also informed that illegal cultivation of narcotic substances spread over around 15 kanals of land has been destroyed during enforcement drives. In addition, several chemist shops found violating drug sale regulations have been sealed, while properties linked to drug trafficking have been identified and attached under relevant legal provisions.
Deputy Commissioners briefed the meeting on district-level progress under the 100-day campaign, highlighting intensified awareness initiatives and coordinated efforts with line departments. They said special focus is being laid on schools, colleges, panchayats and other sensitive areas to strengthen preventive measures.
Addressing the meeting, IGP Kashmir emphasised the need for sustained, coordinated and intelligence-led efforts among all enforcement agencies to dismantle drug networks in the region. He called for strict action against offenders, strengthened financial investigations, property attachments and effective prosecution to ensure higher conviction rates against drug traffickers.
He said the campaign involves multiple components, including legal action, destruction of illegal cultivation, identification of hotspots, awareness generation and rehabilitation support for addicts. He also stressed the importance of tracking the modus operandi of drug networks and enhancing public awareness about their operations.
Divisional Commissioner Kashmir underlined the need for a multi-sectoral approach involving civil administration, health, education institutions and civil society organisations. He called for strengthening rehabilitation mechanisms and expanding awareness programmes at the grassroots level to ensure long-term impact.
Meanwhile, the IGP informed KNO that the ongoing “Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyan” is being implemented through a multi-pronged strategy involving intensified legal action, destruction of illicit cultivation, awareness generation, and rehabilitation measures across the Kashmir Valley.
He said the 100-day campaign, launched following directions of the Lieutenant Governor, has already triggered coordinated action across all districts.
“As you can see, a few days ago LG sir kicked-started the Nasha Mukta campaign. In all districts of Kashmir Valley there is a lot of activity around it. Our efforts are multi-pronged. The focus is to take legal action. We are already taking legal action, but in the next 100 days we will intensify it further. We will take strict action against drug peddlers, accused persons and those involved in smuggling through FIRs and other legal measures,” the IGP said.
He said law enforcement agencies are simultaneously focusing on dismantling supply chains and identifying drug hotspots. “We will detect and destroy illegal cultivation of poppy and bhang. Financial investigations, property attachments and destruction of seized property will also be intensified,” he added.
The IGP said nearly 460 awareness programmes have been conducted in schools, colleges, panchayats and vulnerable areas to sensitise youth about the dangers of drug abuse. He also noted that illegal cultivation on around 15 kanals of land has been destroyed and several chemist shops violating regulations have been sealed. Properties linked to drug trafficking have also been identified for attachment under law.
“The second aspect of this campaign is awareness. We are holding events in schools and colleges so that young people stay away from drugs. Rehabilitation of addicts is also part of the effort,” he said.
Responding to a question on public participation, including involvement of religious institutions, the IGP said society has a critical role in combating the menace.
“The solution to this problem is not alone. Society has to take part. Religious and senior community figures have influence, and we expect their contribution in creating awareness so that people stay away from drugs,” he said.
Referring to the upcoming awareness rally, the IGP said a large public mobilisation is expected. “A mega rally is being held on the coming Sunday. People are participating with enthusiasm. It is aimed at spreading awareness and strengthening the campaign so that the message reaches every section of society,” he said.
He added that coordination between civil administration, police, and other stakeholders will continue to ensure the campaign achieves its objective of a drug-free Jammu and Kashmir. (KNO)
