Drugs Crackdown – Kashmir MLA Questions Demolition Actions During Anti-Drug Campaign
Drugs Crackdown – Concerns over property demolitions and anti-drug operations in Jammu and Kashmir have intensified after political leaders raised objections to the administration’s ongoing crackdown on narcotics-related activities.
The anti-drug campaign launched in Jammu and Kashmir has triggered a political disagreement after Langate MLA Sheikh Khurshid openly distanced himself from the administration’s ongoing “Nasha Mukht J&K Abhiyan.” The legislator also stayed away from Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha’s anti-drug foot march held in Kupwara district on Friday, despite his constituency being part of the region where the event took place.
MLA Refuses Participation in Campaign
The padyatra, led by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, was attended by several local representatives and members of civil society. However, Sheikh Khurshid chose not to participate and publicly stated that he did not support the 100-day campaign initiated by the administration.
According to the MLA, he would neither endorse nor join any programme linked to the drive. His remarks came amid increasing criticism over actions taken during the anti-drug operation, particularly the demolition of houses allegedly connected to narcotics trafficking.
Anti-Drug Drive Intensifies Across Region
The campaign was launched on April 11 with the objective of curbing the spread of drug abuse and dismantling trafficking networks in Jammu and Kashmir. Since the beginning of the operation, authorities claim that more than 700 alleged drug smugglers and peddlers have been arrested.
Officials have also demolished several structures said to be associated with illegal drug activities and attached properties valued at crores of rupees. In addition, the administration has reportedly initiated steps to cancel the passports of 15 suspected smugglers.
Authorities are also seeking cancellation of nearly 300 driving licences and more than 400 vehicle registrations believed to have links with drug-related operations.
Concerns Raised Over Demolitions
Sheikh Khurshid argued that innocent individuals were being affected during the crackdown and questioned the legality of demolishing houses before any court verdict. He maintained that people should not face punitive action unless proven guilty through judicial proceedings.
Referring to one case in his constituency, the MLA said the legal matter had remained pending for several years, yet demolition action had still been carried out. He stressed that the principle of innocence until proven guilty must be respected in every case.
The legislator further alleged that the campaign was targeting users and accused persons while larger drug networks continued to operate without adequate scrutiny. He called for greater transparency from the administration regarding seizures, arrests, prosecutions and convictions linked to the campaign.
Debate Over Government Priorities
Khurshid also questioned the government’s broader approach toward addiction control. He argued that if authorities were serious about addressing substance abuse, restrictions on liquor sales should also be considered in Jammu and Kashmir.
The MLA claimed that substantial public funds were being spent on anti-drug marches and awareness events. He suggested that the same resources could instead be directed toward building hospitals, rehabilitation facilities and treatment centres for people struggling with addiction.
Administration Defends Its Actions
During the Kupwara padyatra, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha defended the anti-drug initiative and said the administration was acting firmly against narcotics smugglers with support from the public.
He stated that more than 730 alleged smugglers and peddlers had been arrested so far under the campaign. The Lieutenant Governor also challenged critics to identify any innocent individual who had been unfairly targeted during the operation.
However, Khurshid continued to oppose the demolition policy, arguing that none of the demolished houses belonged to convicted individuals. He insisted that bulldozing homes before court convictions raised serious legal and constitutional concerns.
Earlier Objections From Minister
The controversy surrounding the anti-drug campaign had surfaced earlier as well. Jammu and Kashmir Education Minister Sakina Itoo had previously expressed concern over the demolition of homes and attachment of properties during the crackdown.
Her remarks, along with Khurshid’s criticism, have added to the growing political debate over the balance between strict enforcement against narcotics networks and the protection of legal rights during anti-drug operations.