• Police step up anti-drug operations in Anantnag and Awantipora, seize narcotics; illegal mining and kerosene black marketing come under scanner; public outreach and personnel welfare initiatives also strengthened

SRINAGAR: In a major push to strengthen law enforcement, curb organised illegal activities and enhance public safety, Jammu and Kashmir Police intensified its enforcement and public outreach initiatives across several districts of Kashmir on Wednesday, registering significant action against drug trafficking, illegal mining and the black marketing of essential commodities.

In a series of coordinated operations, police apprehended five individuals in Anantnag district and recovered approximately 2.2 kilograms of narcotic substances. In a separate action, Awantipora Police booked a habitual drug peddler under the stringent Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PIT-NDPS) Act and lodged him in District Jail Baderwah.

The enforcement drive also extended to illegal mining, with police seizing vehicles in Ganderbal, Shopian and Bandipora for their alleged involvement in unauthorised extraction and transportation of minerals. In Sopore, police seized approximately 500 litres of kerosene oil allegedly intended for black-market sale and arrested the accused driver.

Alongside enforcement measures, J&K Police continued its community-oriented initiatives, organising cybercrime awareness programmes in Bandipora, a Thana Diwas in Shopian to address public grievances and a dedicated mental health awareness session for women police personnel.

The developments underline the multifaceted approach of J&K Police towards combating crime, protecting natural resources, strengthening community participation, promoting digital safety and ensuring the welfare of its personnel.

ANANTNAG POLICE LAUNCHES FIVE OPERATIONS AGAINST DRUG TRAFFICKING; FIVE PERSONS APPREHENDED, 2.2 KG NARCOTICS RECOVERED

ANANTNAG: Intensifying its campaign against drug trafficking and substance abuse, J&K Police conducted five separate operations across Anantnag district, resulting in the apprehension of five individuals and the recovery of approximately 2.2 kilograms of narcotic substances.

In the first operation, acting on reliable information, a police team from Police Station Aishmuqam searched a cowshed belonging to Mohammad Ashraf Shah, son of Rahmat Shah, resident of Amadzoo. The individual had allegedly concealed narcotic substances at the location for the purpose of selling them. During the search, approximately 1.446 kilograms of Bhang Bhoosa was recovered. Accordingly, FIR No. 107/2026 under relevant sections of law was registered, and further investigation was initiated.

In another operation, a police party from Police Station Dooru, during naka checking at Shankarpora Crossing, apprehended an individual and recovered approximately 100 grams of charas from his possession.

Similarly, a police team from Police Station Anantnag apprehended Faisal Shabir Shugan, son of Shabir Ahmad Shugan, resident of Natipora Khanabal, at Natipora and recovered approximately 200 grams of charas from his possession.

In another operation, a police party from Police Post Dialgam apprehended Ubaid Khurshaid Naikoo, son of Khurshaid Ahmad Naikoo, resident of Wavthroo Nadoora, and recovered approximately 100 grams of charas powder from his possession.

In the fifth operation, during night patrolling, a police party from Police Station Srigufwara apprehended Abid Hussain Bhat, son of Farooq Ahmad Bhat, resident of Hitigam, at Hitigam Crossing. During his search, 329.6 grams of charas powder was recovered.

Cases under relevant sections of law have been registered at the concerned police stations, and further investigations are underway.

J&K Police reiterated its commitment to eradicating the drug menace and appealed to the general public to share information regarding drug trafficking and substance abuse, emphasising that public cooperation remains vital in building a drug-free society.

AWANTIPORA POLICE BOOKS HABITUAL DRUG PEDDLER UNDER PIT-NDPS ACT; DETENTION WARRANT EXECUTED

AWANTIPORA: In a significant action against habitual drug trafficking, Awantipora Police have booked a notorious drug peddler from the Lethpora area under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PIT-NDPS) Act and lodged him in District Jail Baderwah.

The individual has been identified as Mehraj-ud-Din Ganie, son of Gh. Mohd. Ganie, resident of Kranchoo Pampore, presently residing at New Colony, Lethpora, Awantipora.

According to police, multiple cases under the NDPS Act have been registered against the individual for his alleged involvement in drug trafficking and supplying narcotic substances to local youth. Despite repeated legal action, he allegedly continued his involvement in drug-related activities.

Police stated that the individual had repeatedly secured bail from the Hon'ble Courts but allegedly continued his unlawful activities.

Taking cognisance of his persistent alleged involvement in drug trafficking, Awantipora Police prepared and submitted a detailed dossier under the PIT-NDPS Act to prevent him from further indulging in such activities.

Consequently, the Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, issued the requisite detention warrant, which was executed by a police team of Police District Awantipora.

J&K Police reiterated its firm commitment to taking stringent action against drug traffickers and appealed to the public to extend cooperation in the collective fight against the drug menace.

J&K POLICE INTENSIFIES CRACKDOWN ON ILLEGAL MINING; VEHICLES SEIZED IN GANDERBAL, SHOPIAN AND BANDIPORA

SRINAGAR: Continuing its sustained drive against illegal mining and unauthorised extraction and transportation of minor minerals, J&K Police intensified enforcement operations across Ganderbal, Shopian and Bandipora districts, seizing vehicles found allegedly involved in illegal mining and transportation activities.

In Ganderbal, police seized nine tippers involved in the illegal extraction and transportation of minor minerals within the jurisdictions of Police Stations Ganderbal, Kheerbawani and Lar.

The vehicles were reportedly operating without valid authorisation and in violation of prescribed norms. They were seized on the spot, and the matter was referred to the concerned Geology and Mining Department, which subsequently imposed requisite fines under relevant provisions of law.

In Shopian, police seized six vehicles, including one JCB, one dumper and four tractors, from different areas falling under the jurisdictions of Police Stations Shopian and Zainapora and Police Post Wachi.

The vehicles were allegedly involved in unauthorised extraction and transportation of mining material. Accordingly, multiple FIRs under relevant provisions of law have been registered at the concerned police stations, and further investigation has been initiated.

Meanwhile, in Bandipora, during late-night checking at various locations across the district, police seized four vehicles involved in the illegal transportation of minerals. These included two tractors without registration numbers and two tippers bearing registration numbers JK13B-7415 and JK01AA-4176.

In addition, 10 auto-rickshaws were seized under the provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act for violations of traffic regulations.

J&K Police reiterated its commitment to protecting natural resources, enforcing the law and maintaining public order across the region.

SOPORE POLICE SEIZE 500 LITRES OF ILLEGAL KEROSENE OIL; ACCUSED ARRESTED, VEHICLE SEIZED

SOPORE: In a crackdown on the illegal trade and black marketing of essential commodities, Sopore Police seized approximately 500 litres of kerosene oil and arrested the person allegedly involved in its illegal transportation and intended sale.

The action was taken during naka checking at Wadoora within the jurisdiction of Police Station Bomai, where a police party intercepted a load carrier bearing registration number JK05J-5661.

The vehicle was being driven by Imtiyaz Ali, son of Ghulam Mohammad Rather, resident of Chenbal Pattan, and was travelling from Kupwara towards Sopore.

During the checking, police found approximately 500 litres of kerosene oil being transported in the vehicle. When asked, the driver failed to produce any valid documents, permit or licence authorising the legal transportation or possession of the oil.

During preliminary enquiry, it reportedly emerged that the accused was transporting and storing the kerosene oil with the intention of selling it at exorbitant prices in the black market.

Accordingly, the kerosene oil and the vehicle were seized, while the accused driver was taken into custody for further questioning.

In this connection, FIR No. 69/2026 under relevant sections of law has been registered at Police Station Bomai, and investigation has been taken up.

J&K Police reiterated its commitment to taking stern action against those involved in black marketing, hoarding and illegal trade of essential commodities.

BANDIPORA POLICE ORGANISE AWARENESS PROGRAMME ON CYBERCRIME, DIGITAL ARREST SCAMS AND ONLINE SAFETY

BANDIPORA: With cyber fraud and digital scams emerging as major challenges in an increasingly technology-driven society, District Police Bandipora, in collaboration with Cyber Police Station Bandipora and the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) Bandipora, organised a comprehensive awareness programme to educate citizens about cybercrime, digital arrest scams and online safety.

The programme was held at the Conference Hall, District Police Lines Bandipora, and focused on various dimensions of cybercrime, particularly the growing menace of digital arrest scams, online frauds, financial cybercrime, social media-related offences and other emerging cyber threats.

Participants were sensitised about the tactics adopted by cyber fraudsters to deceive and exploit unsuspecting citizens through various online platforms and fraudulent methods.

Detailed awareness was also imparted regarding preventive measures, safe digital practices and the protection of personal and financial information. The importance of promptly reporting cybercrime incidents through appropriate channels was emphasised.

The programme also highlighted the role of legal remedies and available assistance mechanisms in addressing cyber offences, enabling participants to better understand the support systems available to victims of cybercrime.

The initiative aimed at empowering citizens with the necessary knowledge and awareness to identify, prevent and respond effectively to cyber threats, thereby contributing towards a safer digital environment.

J&K Police reiterated its commitment to organising such awareness initiatives to strengthen public awareness and ensure greater community participation in combating cybercrime.

SHOPIAN POLICE HOLDS THANA DIWAS AT URPORA NAGBAL; PUBLIC GRIEVANCES HEARD, ASSURANCE OF TIMELY REDRESSAL

SHOPIAN: In a continued effort to strengthen public-police relations and promote participatory policing, Shopian Police organised a Thana Diwas at Urpora Nagbal in Zainapora, providing a platform for local residents and representatives of different sections of society to raise issues of public importance.

The programme was chaired by SDPO Zainapora, accompanied by the SHO Police Station Zainapora. It witnessed participation from local elders, respectable citizens, traders, youth representatives and members of civil society from Urpora Nagbal and adjoining areas.

During the interaction, participants highlighted several issues concerning public importance and the concerns of the local population.

The SDPO gave a patient hearing to the grievances and assured the participants that genuine issues would be taken up on priority. He further assured that matters falling within the jurisdiction of other government departments would be forwarded to the concerned authorities for appropriate and timely action.

Addressing the gathering, SDPO Zainapora highlighted the significance of Thana Diwas in building mutual trust, ensuring transparency and strengthening police-community cooperation.

He sought the active cooperation of the public in maintaining law and order, promoting traffic discipline, combating the drug menace and identifying anti-social and anti-national elements attempting to disturb the peaceful environment of the area.

J&K Police reiterated its commitment to people-friendly policing, emphasising that effective law enforcement is built on mutual trust, cooperation and active community participation.

The public was encouraged to work closely with the police to ensure a safe, peaceful and secure society.

SHOPIAN POLICE ORGANISES MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS SESSION FOR WOMEN POLICE PERSONNEL; EXPERTS HIGHLIGHT STRESS MANAGEMENT

SHOPIAN: Recognising the importance of mental well-being, emotional resilience and a healthy work-life balance among police personnel, District Police Shopian organised a special mental health awareness session for women police personnel at the District Training Centre (DTC), District Police Lines Shopian.

The session was presided over by SSP Shopian, Shri Mushtaq Ahmad Choudhary-JKPS, accompanied by DySP Headquarters Shopian and DySP DAR Shopian.

Two medical experts from District Hospital Shopian, Dr. Javaid Iqbal and Dr. Ishrat Jabeen, participated in the programme and shared their professional insights on various aspects of mental health, stress management and emotional well-being.

During the session, the doctors sensitised participants about identifying early signs of stress, anxiety and emotional exhaustion.

They also highlighted practical strategies for managing workplace pressure, maintaining a healthy work-life balance and adopting effective coping mechanisms to deal with professional and personal challenges.

Particular emphasis was laid on the importance of seeking timely medical and psychological assistance and overcoming the stigma associated with mental health issues.

The session aimed at encouraging women police personnel to prioritise their mental and physical well-being while effectively balancing their professional duties and personal responsibilities.

J&K Police reiterated its commitment to the welfare, empowerment and overall well-being of its personnel and reaffirmed its resolve to undertake such initiatives to promote a healthy, supportive and stress-free working environment.

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

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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