Srinagar: Continuing outreach efforts to engage stakeholders in the fight against drug abuse and to build a narcotics-free society, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg, today held a meeting with religious leaders from various faiths.
The meeting was attended by Imams, members of the Shia Community, Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee, and representatives of the migrant Hindu community, an official press release informed.
It said during the interaction, the Divisional Commissioner appreciated the proactive role of religious leaders in the ‘Nasha Mukt J&K Abhiyan’, noting their influence in spreading awareness through religious institutions and community engagement.
He emphasized that the role of religious leaders is indispensable in combating the growing menace of narcotics. On the occasion, he extended a cordial invitation to all religious figures, across sects and faiths, to participate in large numbers in the Nasha Mukt J&K Padyatra scheduled for May 3.
The participants shared suggestions and assured full cooperation and active participation in the upcoming padyatra, reinforcing their commitment to the collective fight against drug abuse, the press release said.
‘Illegal’ properties of drug peddlers demolished in Anantnag
The District Administration Anantnag, in coordination with police, carried out a demolition drive against illegal properties linked to alleged drug peddlers in the Sangam area of Bijbehara on Tuesday.
The action was taken as part of the ongoing 100-day Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyaan, aimed at curbing drug abuse and narcotics trafficking in the region.
Officials said revenue authorities, led by the Sub-Divisional Magistrate and Tehsildar Bijbehara, along with a police team headed by the SDPO Bijbehara, identified several commercial structures—Kashmir Restaurant, Taj Restaurant, and MIR Restaurant—constructed on state land. These establishments were reportedly owned and operated by individuals involved in cases under the NDPS Act.
Authorities said multiple FIRs had already been registered against the accused, and the premises were allegedly being used to facilitate illegal activities linked to drug trafficking.
During the operation, encroached land along National Highway-44 was also retrieved, while the structures were demolished in the presence of civil and police officials.
The administration said the drive reflects its firm stance against narcotics-related activities and reiterated its zero-tolerance policy towards drug peddling.
Officials added that strict monitoring will continue, and the public has been urged to cooperate with authorities in efforts to make the district drug-free.
