“J&K is facing narco- terrorism” said the DGP of J&K Police S P Vaid in an event in December. He went on to add that majority of drugs being smuggled into the state came from across the Line of Control (LoC) and seeked co-operation from families of drug addicts to root out the menace. While such comments are often made by people in power, little is done to address such issues. But this time, it was different.
On 30th Dec, the DGP released the scorecard of his forces which included arrest of 1213 Persons and 888 registered cases along with details of massive recovery of drugs from across the state.
We have launched a war against drugs and its peddlers across the state. A total of 1213 persons have been arrested in 888 cases registered against drug peddlers. pic.twitter.com/gb5LUImH9c
— Shesh Paul Vaid (@spvaid) December 31, 2017
While entire country was debating drug menace in neighbouring state of Punjab, it was becoming a bigger threat than terrorism in J&K and wasn’t debated much in country. J&K Police escalated the war against drugs by organizing rallies, educational events and seminars to educate the youth & their families on issues related to drugs.
Drug money is being used by Pakistan to further escalate its terror sponsorship in the state. Drugs get transported into the state via vehicles crossing the LOC for trade and other innovative techniques. Forces have increased their vigilance on vehicles coming from across the LOC. In July, a cross truck carrying narcotics hidden in Boxes was caught by police.
Narcotic drugs hidden in boxes recovered from a cross #LOC truck at #Uri. pic.twitter.com/u2JJPRAoti
— J&K Police (@JmuKmrPolice) July 21, 2017
Since the new PDP-BJP govt took over, the war against drugs seems to have escalated and it has further gained momentum under the tenure of the new Police DGP – SP Vaid. CM Mehbooba Mufti suggested a multi-pronged strategy to eradicate drug menace in the state. She had suggested slapping of the stringent Public Safety Act (PSA) against chronic drug peddlers in the state.
The CM also chaired a meeting with J&K Police officers in September 2017, and suggested setting up of de-addiction centres which are much needed in the state for affected youth. Strict instructions were issued by the CM to constitute specialised teams in districts affected most by the drug menace and she directed the SPs to make periodic visits to far off areas to get the ground report. J&K police have already booked serious drug peddlers under PSA and DGP has assured strict action.
J&K Police, as a token of appreciation and motivation, has started rewarding its forces to motivate them to continue till the war till over.
For sustained pro-active #drive against drugs DGP @spvaid appreciates Rajouri Police & sanctions Rs 45,000 for good work. @listenshahid
— J&K Police (@JmuKmrPolice) October 16, 2017
The steps taken by the police force in conjunction with the BJP-PDP Government are worth applauding. Jammu and Kashmr is not an easy state to enforce the law in, and yet, the people in charge and making a sterling effort. Surprisingly, media coverage on this issue has not been much.
