Says Pakistan’s Hostility Exposed as Jammu and Kashmir Embraces Peace and Prosperity Post-Article 370
Suhail Khan
Srinagar, Jan 09: Security forces have strengthened the borders across Jammu and Kashmir to combat the issue of narcotics smuggling, top officials said.
A senior official told Kashmir Despatch that this operation aims to disrupt enemy efforts to infiltrate the valley with illicit drugs while simultaneously protecting the local population.
The official indicated that to counter such nefarious designs, the Jammu and Kashmir Police have established multiple-layered checkpoints equipped with round-the-clock CCTV surveillance, extending from the Line of Control (LoC) in Uri to various districts of the Valley.
He mentioned that these measures are intended to intercept narcotics consignments and other illegal activities that pose a threat to the region’s security.
The official said that in 2024 alone, the police seized properties worth over ₹83.35 crore in Baramulla district, all belonging to hard-core drug smugglers.
However, he further stated that this decisive action is considered a significant blow to the infrastructure supporting narco-terrorism in the region, allegedly operated by handlers based in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
The official remarked, “Drugs such as heroin are being sent by Pakistan-backed handlers to poison the minds of Kashmir’s youth. These handlers entice young individuals with promises of rewards and radicalization, steering them toward jihad and away from constructive pursuits. However, the vigilance of security forces, extending from the borders to the plains of the region, has been effective in addressing this issue. Efforts are prioritized to deal strictly with every such individual, whether they are terrorists, their followers, or supporters who are enemies of the state,” the official added.
Meanwhile, top defense sources told Kashmir Despatch that Pakistan has repeatedly shown that it can never be a friend or sympathizer to the people of Jammu and Kashmir and will always be a cause of destruction for the state.
Sources stated that after the abrogation of Article 370, when the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir began moving toward a new dawn of peace, prosperity, and development, Pakistan, the biggest enemy of this state, became frustrated as it attempted to replace a culture of guns with drugs.
Government sources informed Kashmir Despatch that after the abrogation of Article 370, it was the first time that ordinary citizens realized how much they had endured under Hurriyat leaders, who had only used common Kashmiris for their personal gain. Those who previously wanted to join Pakistan were often poor and illiterate, having been brainwashed by certain leaders for their own greed. It has also become clear that being part of a democratic, economic, and secular superpower like India is highly beneficial, which is evident from the positive changes being observed across the state.
Government sources stated that people are now living happily in a peaceful environment in Jammu and Kashmir, free from the obstacles they faced for decades, such as hartals (strikes), stone-pelting, and, most importantly, the innocent killings that are no longer visible across the union territory.
Furthermore, government sources indicated that the LG-led government has proven to be a game changer for Kashmir, as for the first time in decades, people are experiencing a real era of freedom and can breathe easily.
Suhail Khan is a filmmaker, content writer, and freelance journalist.
