Jammu & Kashmir's Director General of Police (DGP) Dilbag Singh recently shed light on a critical issue gripping the region in an interview with The Indian Express—the escalating drug pandemic. With extensive experience in law enforcement, DGP Singh expressed deep concern over the growing menace of drugs, emphasizing that it poses a more significant threat than even militancy.
DGP Singh drew attention to the severity of the crisis by asserting that the drug problem currently surpasses the peril of terrorism in terms of its societal impact. While terrorism inflicts death, devastation, and suffering, the drug epidemic's repercussions could potentially be even more profound if left unchecked.
An alarming aspect highlighted by DGP Singh is the shifting focus of certain Pakistani agencies. These agencies, once primarily dedicated to supporting terrorism, have now turned to drug trafficking as a means to finance terror activities while entangling terror with social crime. This insidious strategy aims to punish the people of Jammu & Kashmir for opting for peace over terrorism. Drawing parallels with the drug issue that plagued Punjab, DGP Singh noted that despite the decline of militancy, the drug challenge there remains a formidable obstacle. This underscores the urgency of addressing the situation in Jammu & Kashmir.
Over the past four years, the region has witnessed a surge in drug-related cases and arrests. DGP Singh revealed that an estimated 5-7 lakh individuals, predominantly aged between 13 and 30, are ensnared in drug consumption within the population of 1.3 crore in Jammu & Kashmir. He pointed out that local couriers, particularly in border areas such as Karnah, Rajouri-Poonch, and Samba, have become central to the drug trade. These couriers facilitate the transportation of drugs from Punjab to Kashmir, enabling the flow of funds back to Pakistan and fueling the illicit trade.
The dynamics of the drug trade have evolved significantly, with an increasing reliance on women as couriers to smuggle narcotics from Punjab. This shift is attributed to the tightening of conventional funding channels, making drug trafficking a lucrative alternative for generating income. Synthetic drugs, including pharmaceuticals and opioids, are also finding their way into the region from Punjab and Himachal Pradesh.
The involvement of specific villages near the Line of Control (LoC) has also come under scrutiny, primarily due to their proximity to corresponding villages in Pakistan. The influence of drug lords and mafias in Afghanistan exacerbates the situation, with drugs flowing from Afghanistan to Pakistan and subsequently into Jammu & Kashmir. This often involves militant groups with potential ties to Pakistan's intelligence agency, ISI.
In response to the escalating crisis, law enforcement agencies have undertaken measures to curb the movement of drugs. DGP Singh noted that numerous couriers have been intercepted and neutralized during the transportation of drugs and weapons across the border. However, he acknowledged the necessity of a comprehensive approach involving volunteer organizations, social welfare departments, and local bodies to identify victims and provide timely assistance. The establishment of drug de-addiction centers, along with efforts to address the illicit cultivation of narcotics, forms an integral part of the ongoing strategy.
Addressing concerns about targeting higher echelons of drug networks, DGP Singh expressed readiness to confront significant players in the drug trade while calling for active engagement from civil society in combating the menace.
The looming drug pandemic in Jammu & Kashmir presents a multifaceted challenge that demands immediate action. With the potential to surpass the impact of terrorism, collaboration between law enforcement agencies and civil society is crucial to curb drug trafficking and consumption, safeguarding the region's future and well-being.
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