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SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Police has intensified its multi-pronged crackdown against drug trafficking, illegal mining and other unlawful activities across Kashmir, with major enforcement operations resulting in multiple arrests, substantial recoveries of narcotic substances and the seizure of dozens of vehicles involved in illegal extraction and transportation of minerals.

In a series of coordinated operations across Bandipora, Anantnag, Baramulla, Handwara, Shopian, Sopore, Awantipora and Ganderbal, police apprehended several alleged drug peddlers, recovered suspected contraband substances, registered cases under the relevant provisions of law and intensified surveillance against illegal activities. Enforcement measures also extended to traffic violations, market inspections and regulatory compliance.

Alongside its enforcement initiatives, police continued its community-oriented efforts through public grievance redressal programmes, school awareness campaigns, sporting events under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan and capacity-building initiatives for investigating officers. Senior police officers also reviewed operational preparedness, crime-control measures and police-public coordination at various levels.

The following are the major developments reported from different districts:

Anti-Narcotics Operations: Major Arrests and Recoveries

Police Arrest Seven Drug Peddlers in Multiple Operations Across Anantnag, Baramulla and Handwara

Continuing its intensified crackdown against drug trafficking, police apprehended seven alleged drug peddlers in separate operations across Anantnag, Baramulla and Handwara, recovering heroin, charas and bhang-like substances from their possession.

In Anantnag, Police Post Sangam established a naka and apprehended Reyaz Ahmad Mir, son of Ab Rehman Mir, resident of Khelen Litter, from whose possession heroin was recovered.

In a separate operation at Marhama, another police party of PP Sangam apprehended Zubair Sultan Reshi, son of Mohd Sultan Reshi, resident of Sether Sangam, and recovered charas from his possession.

Meanwhile, Police Post DK Pora apprehended Rayees Ahmad Khan, son of Gh Mohi-ud-Din Khan, resident of Damhal, and recovered charas from his possession.

Similarly, in two separate operations, Police Post Dialgam apprehended Yawar Ahmad Gani, son of Mohd Iqbal Gani, and Ubaid Manzoor Doobi, son of Manzoor Ahmad Doobi, both residents of Fathepora. Charas was recovered during their personal searches.

In Baramulla, police intercepted a passenger vehicle (Sumo), bearing registration number JK05N-9646, during dynamic naka checking at Cheradari. The vehicle was travelling from Baramulla towards Chandoosa.

During checking, one of the passengers, identified as Ubair Ahmad Mochi, son of Abdul Ahad Mochi, resident of Kalantara Bala, was found carrying a bag containing two polythene packets of bhang-like substance weighing approximately 822 grams.

The concerned Magistrate and independent witnesses were immediately called to the spot, and all requisite legal formalities, including seizure proceedings, were completed.

In Handwara, police intercepted a tipper bearing registration number JK05B-5479 during naka checking at Batagund. A charas-like substance concealed inside the vehicle's dashboard was recovered. The accused driver, identified as Irshad Ahmad Dar, son of Gh Nabi Dar, resident of Shanoo Langate, was formally arrested.

All the accused have been taken into custody, and further investigations are underway.

Police reiterated its commitment to intensifying action against drug trafficking and appealed to the public to cooperate in the collective fight against narcotics.

Bandipora Police Arrests Two Persons, Recovers 4–5 Kg Charas-Like Substance

In continuation of its sustained efforts to curb drug trafficking, police in Bandipora apprehended two persons during naka checking at Kangri Chowk and recovered approximately 4–5 kilograms of charas-like substance from their possession.

The accused have been identified as Irfan Ahmad Chopan, son of Fayaz Ahmad Chopan, resident of Bagh, Bandipora, and Imran Ahmad Sheikh, son of Late Ali Mohd Sheikh, resident of Sheikh Mohalla, Bandipora.

Accordingly, Case FIR No. 181/2026 under Sections 8/20-29 of the NDPS Act has been registered at Police Station Bandipora.

Further investigation has been initiated to ascertain the source and intended destination of the recovered contraband and establish possible backward and forward linkages.

Police reiterated its commitment to taking stringent action against drug peddlers and appealed to the public to cooperate in eradicating the narcotics menace.

Bandipora Police Apprehends Two Persons at Garoora Crossing, Recovers Suspected Narcotic Substance

Police in Bandipora apprehended two persons during naka checking at Garoora Crossing and recovered approximately 1.5 kilograms of a suspected narcotic substance from their possession.

The accused have been identified as Rafaqat Ali Gojar, son of Mohd Gulab Gojar, resident of Halwadi, Aragam, and Zakir Hussain Qureshi, son of Ghulam Noorani Qureshi, resident of Chapran, Aragam.

Accordingly, Case FIR No. 72/2026 under Sections 8/20-29 of the NDPS Act has been registered at Police Station Aragam, and further investigation has been initiated to ascertain the source and intended destination of the recovered substance.

Police reiterated its commitment to intensifying efforts against drug trafficking and urged the public to identify and report drug-related activities.

Shopian Police Arrests Alleged Drug Peddler, Recovers 221 Grams Charas-Like Substance and ₹31,500

Police in Shopian arrested an alleged drug peddler and recovered 221 grams of charas-like substance along with ₹31,500 in cash during naka checking at Maldera Link Road.

A police party from Police Post Turkwangam apprehended a person moving under suspicious circumstances during checking.

During his personal search, police recovered 221 grams of charas powder-like substance and cash amounting to ₹31,500.

The accused has been identified as Mohd Saleem, son of Mohd Matloob, resident of Bijnor, Uttar Pradesh, presently residing at Turkwangam.

Accordingly, Case FIR No. 137/2026 under relevant sections of law has been registered at Police Station Zainapora.

Further investigation has been initiated to ascertain the source of the contraband and establish its forward and backward linkages.

Police appealed to the public to share information regarding drug peddling, illegal cultivation of narcotic plants and substance abuse, assuring that the identity of informants would be kept strictly confidential.

Intensified Crackdown on Illegal Mining Across Kashmir

Ganderbal Police Seizes 14 Vehicles, Including Eight Tractors and Six Tippers

Police in Ganderbal seized 14 vehicles, including eight tractors and six tippers, for their alleged involvement in illegal extraction and transportation of minor minerals across the district.

The vehicles were found extracting and transporting mining material without valid authorisation, in violation of prescribed norms.

Accordingly, the vehicles were seized on the spot, and the matter was taken up with the concerned Geology and Mining Department, which subsequently imposed requisite fines under relevant provisions of law.

Police reiterated its commitment to curbing illegal mining and urged the public to cooperate in protecting natural resources.

Anantnag Police Seizes 10 Vehicles in Night-Time Anti-Mining Operations

Intensifying its enforcement drive against illegal mining, police in Anantnag seized eight tractors and two tippers during night-time operations at different locations across the district.

The vehicles were found involved in illegal mining activities. Cases have been registered against the violators under relevant provisions of law, and further investigations have been initiated.

Police warned that strict legal action would be taken against anyone found indulging in illegal extraction and transportation of minerals.

Shopian Police Seizes Five Tractors, Registers Two Cases

Police in Shopian seized five tractors involved in the alleged unauthorised extraction and transportation of minerals from different areas of the district.

During routine patrolling, a police party from Police Station Keller intercepted and seized three tractors allegedly involved in illegal extraction and transportation of minerals without valid royalty documents.

In this connection, Case FIR No. 114/2026 has been registered at Police Station Keller, and investigation has been initiated.

In a similar action, a police party from Police Station Heerpora intercepted and seized two tractors involved in illegal extraction of minerals without mandatory permission.

Accordingly, Case FIR No. 124/2026 has been registered at Police Station Heerpora, and further investigation is underway.

Police reiterated its commitment to protecting natural resources and urged the public to report illegal mining activities, assuring confidentiality of informants.

Sopore Police, Geology and Mining Department Seize Four Tractors; Awantipora Police Seizes Loader, Two Tractors

Police in Sopore, in collaboration with the Geology and Mining Department, launched action against vehicles allegedly involved in illegal extraction and transportation of minerals across Police District Sopore.

During the drive, four tractors carrying illegally extracted minerals were seized, while another tractor was issued a dumping challan.

In a separate operation, police in Awantipora seized one loader and two tractors found involved in illegal mining activities at Wakherwan.

In this connection, Case FIR No. 266/2026 has been registered at Police Station Awantipora under relevant provisions of law, and further investigation has been initiated.

Police reiterated that strict action would continue against illegal mining and unauthorised extraction of minerals.

Senior-Level Police Reviews and Public Grievance Redressal

DIG North Kashmir Range Chairs Thana Diwas Programmes at Sumbal, Aragam and Hajin

DIG North Kashmir Range Vinod Kumar-IPS chaired Thana Diwas programmes at Police Stations Sumbal, Aragam and Hajin in Bandipora district, aimed at strengthening police-public relations, addressing public grievances and enhancing community participation in maintaining peace and order.

The programmes were attended by SSP Bandipora Tahir Saleem-JKPS, concerned supervisory officers and respective SHOs. Prominent citizens, traders and representatives from adjoining areas also participated.

During the interactions, participants highlighted several public issues, including traffic congestion, overloading in public transport, drug peddling, cybercrime, domestic violence and other social evils.

They also stressed the need for adequate police deployment during festivals and public gatherings and better coordination between police and the trade community.

The participants assured their full cooperation in maintaining peace and harmony and collectively combating social evils, particularly drug abuse.

DIG NKR and SSP Bandipora patiently heard the grievances and suggestions and assured that genuine issues would be taken up for redressal on priority.

SSP Bandipora stated that police-related issues would be addressed promptly, while matters concerning the Civil Administration would be taken up with the concerned departments.

He further stated that ongoing works would be completed shortly and reiterated that his office remains accessible to every citizen.

The officers emphasised that such public interaction programmes would continue to strengthen mutual trust, cooperation and community participation.

SSP Anantnag Inspects Police Station Kokernag, Reviews Crime Control and Operational Preparedness

SSP Anantnag Amod Ashok Nagpure-IPS visited Police Station Kokernag and conducted a detailed assessment of its functioning, security arrangements and overall policing activities.

During the visit, the SSP inspected different sections of the police station, reviewed official records and assessed the progress of pending investigations.

He also interacted with officers and officials and took stock of the prevailing crime situation, law-and-order challenges and measures being adopted to prevent criminal activities.

Emphasising professional policing, he called for thorough investigations, close supervision of cases and prompt delivery of justice.

The SSP also visited the police mess and held a Darbar with police personnel, providing them an opportunity to raise their service-related and welfare concerns.

He gave a patient hearing to their issues and reiterated that the welfare of police personnel remains an important component of effective policing.

Emphasising public trust, he directed officers and officials to discharge their duties with dedication, discipline and accountability while maintaining a responsive and approachable attitude towards citizens.

The visit reaffirmed Anantnag Police's commitment to strengthening police station-level functioning and improving public service delivery.

Shopian Police Organises Workshop to Address Ground-Level Challenges in Implementation of BNS

Police in Shopian organised a workshop at the Conference Hall of the District Police Office to identify and address ground-level bottlenecks in the implementation of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023.

The workshop was conducted under the supervision of SSP Shopian Mushtaq Ahmad Choudhary-JKPS.

It was attended by Addl. SP Shopian Abdul Maajid-JKPS, all DySPs, Senior Public Prosecutor DPO, SHOs, Incharge Police Posts, investigating officers, prosecution officials and other concerned officers.

The deliberations focused on practical difficulties, operational challenges and implementation gaps encountered at the field level.

The participants also discussed training requirements and shared valuable feedback and suggestions to ensure effective implementation of the new criminal laws.

The workshop concluded with an emphasis on coordinated efforts, capacity building and effective implementation of BNS provisions at the grassroots level.

Police Enforcement, Market Inspections and Regulatory Compliance

Baramulla Police Seizes Seven Vehicles, Challans Eight Others During Traffic Drive at Tapper

Police in Baramulla conducted a special traffic enforcement drive at Tapper, during which seven vehicles were seized for plying without valid documents, while eight others were challaned for various traffic violations.

The seized vehicles included six motorcycles bearing registration numbers JK05M-5893, JK01X-6653, JK05Q-3967, JK05Q-1141, JK01AU-2945 and JK05L-1027, along with one load carrier bearing registration number JK18-9349.

Additionally, eight vehicles were challaned under relevant provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act.

Police reiterated that such enforcement drives would continue to ensure compliance with traffic regulations, enhance road safety and discourage violations.

Commuters were advised to carry valid vehicle documents and strictly adhere to prescribed traffic rules.

Baramulla Police Conducts Special Inspection Drives in Chandoosa and Uri Markets

Police in Baramulla conducted special inspection drives in Chandoosa and Uri markets as part of efforts to strengthen security vigilance and ensure compliance with prescribed guidelines.

At Chandoosa, police inspected mobile repair establishments under the Secure Mobile Drive, focusing on IMEI verification, identification of stolen mobile phones and proper maintenance and protection of customer-related data.

Shopkeepers were directed to adhere to prescribed security protocols.

Meanwhile, Police Station Uri conducted inspections of 11 hardware shops and two fertilizer shops in Uri market.

During the drive, shopkeepers were directed to maintain proper and updated records of purchase and sale transactions, particularly concerning urea fertilizer and nails.

They were specifically instructed to maintain complete purchaser details, including names, addresses, contact numbers, quantities sold and dates of sale, to ensure transparency and accountability.

Police stated that such inspection drives would continue to strengthen market surveillance, ensure regulatory compliance and prevent the misuse of mobile devices and regulated materials.

Youth Engagement and Drug Awareness Under Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan

Anantnag Police Organises Two T20 Cricket Tournaments, 32 Teams to Participate

As part of the ongoing Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, police in Anantnag organised two T20 cricket tournaments at Laktipora Arwani and Seer Hamdan Mattan to engage youth in constructive sporting activities and spread awareness about the harmful effects of drug abuse.

A total of 32 teams, with 16 teams participating in each tournament, are set to compete in the sporting events.

The tournaments aim to promote sportsmanship, discipline, teamwork and a healthy lifestyle among young people.

Police reiterated its commitment to channelising the energy of youth towards positive activities and strengthening community participation in the fight against drug abuse.

Anantnag Police Organises Football Tournament Under Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan

Police in Anantnag organised a football tournament at Sports Stadium Anantnag under the ongoing Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan to promote sports, fitness and a healthy lifestyle among youth.

A total of 10 teams are participating in the tournament, providing young players an opportunity to showcase their sporting talent, demonstrate teamwork and engage in constructive activities.

The initiative reflects police efforts to channelise youthful energy towards positive and productive pursuits while encouraging young people to stay away from drugs.

Awantipora Police Organises Drug Awareness Debate Competition at Government Girls Higher Secondary School Khrew

Police in Awantipora organised a debate competition under the banner of Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan at Government Girls Higher Secondary School, Khrew, to educate students about the harmful consequences of substance abuse.

Students participated enthusiastically and expressed their views on various aspects of drug abuse, including its adverse impact on physical and mental well-being, family life and society.

They also highlighted the importance of education, parental supervision, awareness and community participation in preventing substance abuse.

The competition provided students with an opportunity to showcase their knowledge, communication skills and understanding of social responsibilities.

To appreciate their efforts, students securing the first three positions were felicitated with cash prizes and certificates. Refreshments were also distributed among participants.

Police reaffirmed its commitment to organising educational and awareness programmes in schools and other institutions to strengthen collective efforts towards a drug-free society.

Handwara Police Organises Cyber and Drug Awareness Programme at Pandithpora School

Police in Handwara organised a Cyber Awareness and Drug Awareness Programme at Maryam Memorial Educational Institute, Pandithpora, falling under the jurisdiction of Police Station Kralgund.

During the programme, students and staff members were sensitised about cyber safety, online frauds, cybercrimes, responsible use of social media and precautionary measures to safeguard themselves in the digital world.

Participants were also educated about the harmful effects of drug abuse and its adverse impact on physical and mental health, family life and society.

The programme aimed to create awareness among students about emerging cyber threats and the growing menace of substance abuse while encouraging responsible online practices.

Police reiterated its commitment to organising such awareness programmes in educational institutions to strengthen police-public relations and encourage students to contribute towards a safer, healthier and drug-free society.

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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