1.030 kg charas recovered in latest operation; 27 vehicles seized in mining crackdown, stolen property recovered, multiple security and public outreach programmes held
BANDIPORA, Oct 31: District Police Bandipora intensified its crackdown on drug trafficking, theft, illegal mining, timber smuggling and other unlawful activities during October, reporting multiple narcotics recoveries, arrests, recovery of stolen property and security-related operations across the district.
Among the major developments during the month was the arrest of six persons in connection with an alleged clandestine module linked to the banned organisation Ittihad-ul-Muslimeen. Police registered FIR No. 168/2026 under Sections 10 and 13 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act at Police Station Bandipora. According to police, the investigation has brought to light suspected links involving a Pakistan-based handler, alleged prison-based coordination, propaganda activities and financial transactions. Further investigation is underway.
In anti-drug operations, police reported the recovery of 9.052 kilograms of charas-like substance at Pashwari, Sumbal, and approximately 5.010 kilograms at Hajin. Recoveries were also reported from Mantrigam Pethkoot, Gunchipora Sumbal and Ajas.
In the latest operation on October 31, a police party from Police Station Pethkoot apprehended two persons during naka checking at Lal Qila Morh and recovered 1.030 kilograms of charas-like substance from their possession. The accused were identified as Gh. Mohd Bhat and Manzoor Ahmad Bhat, both residents of Wewan. FIR No. 31/2026 under Sections 8/20/29 of the NDPS Act was registered, and further investigation was taken up.
Police also conducted checking drives at medical shops, SIM card vendors, fertilizer shops and scrap dealers to ensure compliance with prescribed regulations.
In other crime-related cases, police recovered six stolen horses in Ajas and arrested an accused person. Police Station Sumbal recovered a stolen motorcycle within 12 hours of receiving a complaint, while two persons were arrested in a theft case registered at Nowgam and stolen property was recovered.
Two absconders wanted in a cheating and forgery case registered at Police Station Sumbal were arrested after allegedly evading arrest for 16 years. Another absconder wanted in a 2010 case was also apprehended.
Action was also taken against illegal timber smuggling, with Police Post Sumlar seizing six heavy logs of Kail wood at Samthan Dardpora and arresting an accused person.
In its crackdown on illegal mining and unauthorised transportation of minerals, police reported the seizure of at least 27 vehicles, including tractors, tippers and a truck, under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act.
On the security front, police conducted multiple joint exercises with other security agencies to assess operational preparedness. A Counter-Insurgency Response System mock drill was held at Hajin Bridge with the participation of SOG Hajin, 13 Rashtriya Rifles and 45 Battalion CRPF. Another Anti-Fidayeen exercise was conducted at District Police Lines Bandipora.
On October 31, Bandipora Police and 13 Rashtriya Rifles conducted another Anti-Fidayeen mock drill at Aragam, involving Police Station Aragam and other agencies. The exercise included a simulated counter-terror response, area sanitisation and assessment of casualty management and emergency medical arrangements.
Community policing also remained a focus, with Thana Diwas meetings held at different police stations. DIG North Kashmir Range Vinod Kumar and SSP Bandipora also interacted with residents at Police Stations Gurez and Tulail to hear public grievances and discuss local issues.
During the month, a T20 cricket tournament under the Civic Action Programme concluded at Gurez Stadium, with 16 teams from Gurez and Tulail participating. Chontiwari defeated Wanpora by 16 runs in the final. Police also organised volleyball and badminton championships, debate competitions, seminars, cultural programmes and drug awareness activities in educational institutions.
Police Commemoration Day was observed at District Police Lines Bandipora on October 21, with Deputy Commissioner Indu Kanwal Chib attending as chief guest. The programme was attended by senior officers, security personnel and families of police martyrs.
On October 31, police organised a series of programmes across the district to mark Rashtriya Ekta Diwas, commemorating the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Run for Unity events were held at Garoora, Hajin, Sumbal and other locations, while the main district-level run was organised in coordination with the District Administration and 3rd Battalion CRPF from Mini Secretariat Bandipora to Chitternar.
Pledge ceremonies were also conducted at all police stations and police posts. At District Police Lines, SSP Tahir Saleem-JKPS administered the Ekta Diwas pledge, followed by a ceremonial march past. The event was attended by officers from the civil administration, police and CRPF, besides students.
As part of the celebrations, District Police Bandipora also released a research booklet titled “Little Voices, One Nation – National Integration Through the Eyes of School Children.” The publication brings together the writings and creative expressions of students from different schools, focusing on national integration, unity in diversity, communal harmony and patriotism.
During October, Tahir Saleem-JKPS took over as SSP Bandipora and held an introductory meeting with district police officers on October 16. He emphasised professional and people-friendly policing, accountability, timely grievance redressal and intensified action against drug trafficking. He also interacted with media representatives at District Police Lines on October 28.
In another public-oriented initiative, police rescued four bikers from Kerala who had become stranded at Zadkusi along the Bandipora-Gurez road. The travellers were shifted safely to Police Post Izmarg, while their motorcycles were handed over to BSF personnel stationed in the area.
Traffic Police Rural Kashmir also issued an advisory for the Wular Ultra Marathon-3.0 held on October 4, regulating vehicular movement and announcing alternative routes for commuters.
The month’s activities reflected a combination of crime-control measures, security preparedness and community engagement, with police maintaining that action against drug trafficking and other unlawful activities would continue.
On October 31, Bandipora Police also organised live streaming of the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas March through screens installed at District Police Lines and all police stations across the district. Police officers, officials and members of civil society participated in the programme and witnessed the march commemorating the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. The initiative aimed at promoting national unity, integrity and solidarity, while reinforcing the values of communal harmony and unity in diversity. (KNS)
