Aazan Manzoor
Srinagar, Nov 05: Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir Zone Sujit Kumar Singh on Thursday said that Kashmir Police have arrested 1,941 persons in over 1,500 cases registered under the anti-narcotics drive this year, seized 1,711 kilograms of contraband substances and attached properties worth ₹154 crore belonging to alleged drug traffickers.
Addressing a press conference in Srinagar, as per news agency JKNS, IGP Sujit Kumar Singh said the police have intensified their efforts against drug trafficking, cybercrime and traffic violations, while calling upon the youth to play a constructive role in protecting society from these growing challenges.
Sharing the anti-narcotics enforcement figures, he said police have also frozen 567 bank accounts and recovered around ₹10.11 crore in cash. Besides, approximately 2,111 kanals of illicitly cultivated crops have been destroyed as part of the ongoing campaign against the drug menace.
The IGP made a special appeal to mothers and families struggling with drug addiction, assuring them that their identities would be kept confidential if they approached the police for assistance.
He said families can approach any police station to seek help for the rehabilitation of their drug-addicted members, adding that the department would facilitate treatment and support through its drug de-addiction and rehabilitation facilities.
“Those mothers who are fighting this battle and want their children to come out of drug addiction should come forward. We will protect their identity and extend every possible assistance,” he said.
On cybercrime, IGP said 12,385 complaints involving more than ₹54 crore had been reported this year. Of the total amount involved, police have managed to recover approximately ₹7.48 crore, while efforts are continuing to trace and freeze the remaining funds through coordination with banks and the concerned agencies.
He said 93 FIRs have also been registered in connection with cyber fraud, including seven cases involving mule bank accounts, and cautioned young people against allowing their bank accounts, mobile numbers or identities to be used for fraudulent transactions.
Warning against becoming part of cyber fraud networks, he said youth must stay away from such activities and contribute positively to society.
The IGP also expressed concern over rash driving, dangerous biking, triple riding, modified silencers and high-speed stunts, particularly among young people. He said traffic enforcement drives have been intensified during both day and night to curb violations and prevent road accidents.
He cautioned that reckless driving not only puts the lives of offenders at risk but also endangers pedestrians, commuters and other road users. He also urged young people to respect the safety and comfort of elderly and sick residents by avoiding unnecessary noise and dangerous driving, particularly during night hours.
Highlighting the role of social media, IGP encouraged youngsters to use digital platforms positively by sharing responsible content and motivating others to abandon dangerous stunts and traffic violations.
He said the police department was committed to supporting constructive initiatives by young people and assured that the department had the necessary support from the government to strengthen these efforts.
IGP called for collective participation from families, elders, youth and civil society in tackling drug addiction, cybercrime and road safety challenges, stressing that the fight against these social problems cannot be left to the police alone. (JKNS)
