SHOPIAN, KULGAM: In ongoing crackdown against the menace of drugs, Police in Shopian and Kulgam arrested two drug peddlers and recovered huge quantity of contraband substances from their possession.

Police in Kulgam during checking at a checkpoint established at New Bypass Furrah Crossing intercepted a suspicious vehicle (Swift Dzire) bearing registration number JK03D-9184. On thorough search of the vehicle, 55.5 kilograms of poppy straw concealed in four bags was recovered by the police team. The driver of the vehicle, identified as Muzaffar Ahmad Bhat, son of Ghulam Nabi Bhat, resident of Doonipora Bijbehara, Sangam Anantnag, was arrested on the spot. The vehicle used for the transportation of the contraband was also seized. Following the recovery, a case vide FIR No. 191/2025 under section 8/15 NDPS Act has been registered at Police Station Qazigund.

Speaking on the development, SSP Kulgam Shri Sahil Sarangal-IPS has said that the fight against drugs is not just a law-enforcement challenge but also a social responsibility. J&K Police is fully committed to uprooting this menace from society and protecting our youth from the dangers of addiction. We seek active cooperation from the public in this mission so that together, we can build a safe, healthy, and drug-free community.

Meanwhile, acting on specific input, a police team from Police Post Wachi Shopian at a checkpoint established at Darbagh Wachi intercepted a suspicious person identified as Imtiyaz Ahmad Dar son of Ali Mohd Dar resident of Darbagh Wachi.  During search, 2.4 Kgs of Charas sticks were recovered from his possession. Accordingly, a case vide FIR No. 75/2025 under relevant sections of the law has been registered at Police Station Zainapora.

Investigation into both the cases has been taken up to trace the source of the contraband, identify its intended destination, and expose the wider nexus of drug traffickers involved in the illegal trade.

In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
A Profound Loss: JK Monitor Mourns the Passing of Founding Chairman Dr. Priya Ranjan

We at JK Monitor are profoundly saddened by the sudden demise of our Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan.IN LOVING MEMORY Dr Priya Ranjan

A brilliant mind who studied at Netarhat Residential School and graduated in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur before earning his PhD from the University of Maryland, Dr. Ranjan chose to return to India and dedicate his life to teaching, research and social good.

His pioneering work in networked systems, AI, robotics and biomedical applications—especially computer-vision tools for early detection of cancer and heart disease—reflected his deep belief that advanced technology must serve humanity.

For more than 15 years at JK Monitor, he remained a loyal friend, mentor and collaborator, marked by rare humility, intellectual integrity and quiet generosity. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Priya, you will be deeply missed. Your life continues to remind us that knowledge finds its highest purpose in the service of others.

— Team JK Monitor

       LOOK_HERE.jpg Esteemed readers, for your convenience, we have categorized our news publishing into following 👇

Your voice can reach the world: At JK Monitor, we firmly believe that every well-researched idea has the power to inspire change beyond geographical boundaries. We are delighted to share an encouraging message from one of our esteemed contributors, Dr. Rakesh Verma (J&K Forest Services). “His article, ‘When Trees Become Rights-Bearing Citizens: A Lesson from Canada for India’s Ecological Future,’ published on JK Monitor, received appreciation from La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus, the French non-profit organisation that founded and promotes the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights.”.  Read the message here