A joint anti-encroachment operation being conducted by District Administration and Jammu and Kashmir Police against properties linked to alleged drug smugglers, at Indra Nagar, in the outskirts of Jammu, on May 23, 2026.
| Photo Credit: PTI
J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday (May 23, 2026) said more than 7,000 women’s committees were formed in J&K to fight against drug menace and underlined that 81 narcotic palaces built with the traffickers’ black money have been demolished in the Union Territory (UT).“It is now the administration’s duty to empower these committees and ensure they can work effectively,” said Mr. Sinha, who joined a march in south Kashmir’s Shopian.Referring to the 43 days of anti-drug campaign, Mr. Sinha said, “It has now surged into a powerful grassroots movement, echoing across communities with unstoppable force. Around 797 First Information Reports (FIRs) have been registered and 894 drug smugglers and peddlers have been sent behind bars.”He said while 59 traffickers have been arrested under PIT‑NDPS provisions, 81 narcotic palaces built with the traffickers’ black money have been demolished. 101 immovable properties have been attached and seized. Other assets worth crores have been attached,” said the LG.He said 457 driving licenses have been suspended. “Recommendations have been made to cancel passports of 22 smugglers and to cancel registrations of 606 vehicles,” he added.Mr. Sinha said a comprehensive rehabilitation policy is also being prepared. “Our aim is not only to free addicted youth through de‑addiction programs but also to reintegrate them into the mainstream by providing employment and jobs,” he added. He said millions across J&K are determined to eradicate narcotics‑terrorism from this land of paradise. “Terrorist groups use proceeds from drugs to buy weapons, and with those weapons the blood of ordinary Kashmiris is being spilled. Today I want to state unequivocally: whether an official or anyone in public life, if they are in any way connected to the drug network or lend it support, they will face strict legal consequences. I assure the people that if even the slightest trace of this infection has seeped into our system, it will be mercilessly cut out without hesitation,” the Lieutenant Governor said. Published - May 24, 2026 09:46 am IST
