From Sermons in mosques to bulldozers: 1st month of J-K’s anti-drug drive sees different strategies, 444 arrests

The challenge of drug addiction can be eradicated only through a Whole of Society Approach. From now on, every corner of UT, whether schools, colleges, families, sports grounds, wards, villages, or theater stages, should give a voice to the cause with firm resolve. pic.twitter.com/ri46vw9E8S

— Office of LG J&K (@OfficeOfLGJandK) May 9, 2026

The figures further revealed that 378 kg of contraband substances have been recovered in the Valley in the first 30 days of the campaign. The government also said it destroyed poppy cultivation in over 165 kanals (a little over 20 acres) of land in the Valley. The highest number of NDPS cases, 108, were registered in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district, where police have also seized 22 vehicles and cancelled eight driving licences and vehicle registrations.

“People’s fight against narcotics in Kashmir is being strengthened through coordinated enforcement and community action…,” the Divisional Commissioner said in a post on X, adding, “Kashmir has spoken (that) drugs have no place in our society.”

Over the last 10 days, the J&K government has demolished at least 10 residential and commercial buildings of alleged drug traffickers. Police have also seized assets worth crores.

While the government has taken a tough legal and punitive stand against the people allegedly involved in drug trafficking in the Valley, it has also launched a massive awareness campaign in schools and residential neighbourhoods.

For the first time, the government roped in religious leaders and institutions like mosques to create social awareness against the danger of drug use.

Officials said that since April 11, over 4,000 mosques and religious institutions, including shrines, madrassas and seminaries, have been involved in the awareness and outreach campaign. The campaign was also attended by around 1,000 religious leaders.

While the people have welcomed the campaign against drug use and drug peddlers, there have also been concerns raised against some police action, such as the demolition of residences. J&K Health Minister Sakina Itoo has openly criticised police for the demolitions, saying that they are being selectively carried out in the Valley “under the guise” of cracking down on the drug menace.

Bashaarat Masood is a Special Correspondent with The Indian Express. He has been covering Jammu and Kashmir, especially the conflict-ridden Kashmir valley, for two decades. Bashaarat joined The Indian Express after completing his Masters in Mass Communication and Journalism from the University in Kashmir. He has been writing on politics, conflict and development. Bashaarat was awarded with the Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Awards in 2012 for his stories on the Pathribal fake encounter. Expertise and Experience Two Decades of Frontline Reporting: Bashaarat has spent 20 years documenting the evolution of Kashmir, from high-intensity conflict and political shifts to socio-economic development. Award-Winning Investigative Journalism: He is a recipient of the prestigious Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Award (2012). This honor was bestowed for his reporting on the Pathribal fake encounter, a series of stories that highlighted his ability to handle sensitive human rights and security issues with investigative rigor. Specialized Beats: His authoritative coverage spans: Political Transitions: Tracking the shift from statehood to Union Territory, electoral dynamics, and the pulse of local governance. Security & Conflict: Providing nuanced reporting on counter-insurgency, civil liberties, and the impact of the conflict on the civilian population. Development: Documenting the infrastructure, healthcare, and educational landscape within the Valley. Academic Background: He holds a Masters in Mass Communication and Journalism from the University of Kashmir, providing him with a localized academic and professional foundation that is rare in regional reporting. ... Read More

Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram

© The Indian Express Pvt Ltd