In a significant move, Tribal communities in Jammu and Kashmir have initiated a strict social boycott against drug peddlers and traffickers in their communities. This grassroots initiative, led by community elders in the Bhaderwah region, is a significant, voluntary contribution to the ongoing 100-day "Nasha Mukt Jammu and Kashmir" (Drug-Free J&K) campaign initiated by LG Manoj Sinha.
In Bhaderwah region particularly Gujjars and Bakarwals, have decided to enforce a social boycott of any community member found involved in drug consumption or trafficking.Tribal groups led by Lumberdar Mohd Hussain Chechi held a mega ‘Jirga’ (assembly of tribal elders) at Soundhar meadow in the Kellar Forest Range of Bhaderwah, where they pledged to strengthen the fight against substance abuse as part of the ongoing “Nasha Mukt Jammu and Kashmir” campaign.
Addressing the gathering, Chechi said that after a series of meetings with different Gujjar and Bakarwal groups, the tribal elders unanimously resolved to impose a complete social boycott on any person from the community found involved in drug consumption or trafficking.
“Besides social boycott, we have also taken an oath on the Holy Quran that any person found involved in the drug trade will be immediately handed over to the police. Those providing information about such activities will be rewarded with Rs 10,000,” he said.Chechi said the tribal representatives have also submitted an undertaking in this regard to Bhaderwah Superintendent of Police Vinod Sharma and Kellar Range Officer Shafqat Mahmood Malik.To encourage the tribal communities participating voluntarily in the 100-day anti-drug campaign, the SP, the range officer and former DDC vice-chairperson Doda Sangeeta Rani Bhagat joined the Jirga and pledge-taking ceremony at the meadow.
“The participation of these tribal groups indicates that the campaign is no longer limited to the police or civil administration, but has strongly penetrated civil society, especially among Gujjar and Bakarwal tribes,” Sharma said.He said the resolve shown by the tribal communities to punish culprits at the societal level was appreciable and would act as a catalyst in eradicating substance abuse from society.
Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir administration and the police on Monday jointly demolished three houses belonging to alleged drug peddlers in Kathua district as a part of a major crackdown under the anti-drug campaign, officials said.
The demolished structures were illegally constructed on state government land in the Korepunnu area of Rajbagh, they said.The action was taken against properties belonging to Liaqat Ali, alias ‘Liaqatu’, and his brothers Gaggu Din and Sham Din, all residents of Korepunnu in Tehsil Marheen of Kathua district, they said.
Officials said the accused are involved in 16 FIRs related to drug peddling and other criminal activities. The estimated value of the demolished properties is said to be worth over Rs 1 crore, they said.The officials said the operation reflects the government’s continued commitment to eradicate the drug menace and take strict action against those involved in narcotics-related crimes.
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