The Kashmir Pulse

SRINAGAR — The Special Investigation Agency (SIA) has filed charges against two individuals accused of orchestrating a narco-terror financing module within the Union Territory (UT) of Jammu and Kashmir.

According to a statement, the SIA revealed that Zaheed Ahmad Khoja and Zameer Ahmad Lone are facing charges under various provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, under the purview of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) Act.

Khoja was apprehended last September while transporting a significant heroin consignment weighing 3.565 kilograms, valued at over Rs 25 crores. Lone, on the other hand, is identified as an active member of the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), currently based in Pakistan and is listed as an absconding accused.

The SIA stated that Khoja, Lone, and their associates collaborated with 'terrorists' from proscribed organizations to raise funds through illegal smuggling and trafficking of narcotics across borders. These funds were allegedly used to finance 'terrorist activities' and perpetuate a 'terror ecosystem'.

Additionally, the accused individuals reportedly planned to sow communal disharmony through targeted 'terror acts' against minority communities, facilitated by encrypted messaging applications.

The funds obtained through these illicit activities were purportedly utilized for personal enrichment and to execute 'terrorist acts', including arson attacks on government buildings, residences of minority communities and police personnel, as well as the offices of political parties, as instructed by various 'terrorist outfits' operating in Jammu and Kashmir.

The SIA's investigation uncovered linkages between the 'narco-terror financing' module and multiple 'terrorist' organizations active in the region. It underscores the deep involvement of 'terrorist' groups in the UT of Jammu and Kashmir in raising funds through the illicit sale of narcotics to sustain their nefarious operations.

The statement further indicates that the SIA's probe into other associates of the charged individuals in this case remains ongoing.

JAMMU — The Administrative Council (AC) under the chairmanship of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has sanctioned the establishment of five Special Courts, along with necessary infrastructure and staffing, for the trial of offences under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

In a meeting attended by prominent officials including Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar, Advisor to the Lieutenant Governor, and Atal Dulloo, Chief Secretary, the AC ratified the creation of these courts, with one each designated for the districts of Anantnag, Baramulla, Jammu, Pulwama, and Srinagar.

The decision comes in response to directives from the High Court, following cases titled Thana Singh vs Central Bureau of Narcotics and Arshad Ahmad Allaie vs UT of J&K, which emphasized the need for dedicated courts to address the rising number of NDPS-related cases.

According to recommendations by the Committee of Judges of J&K High Court, Special Courts are deemed necessary in districts where the backlog of NDPS cases exceeds 500. This initiative, approved by the Chief Justice, is expected to have an annual financial implication of Rs. 4.65 Crore for the Union Territory.

Additionally, the AC endorsed the filling of remaining vacancies in paramedical institutions after centralized counselling by the Board of Professional Entrance Examinations (BOPEE). The decision also includes the allocation of leftover seats for admission to various nursing and paramedical courses in government and private institutions based on merit, in line with government-defined eligibility criteria and Standard Operating Procedures (SoPs).

The move comes following representations from institutions regarding the high number of unfilled seats despite admissions facilitated by BOPEE. The decision to allow institutions to fill these vacancies independently was made after studying models implemented in other states, including Punjab.

The Health and Medical Education Department, in collaboration with relevant authorities, has been tasked with formulating the necessary SoPs to facilitate this process effectively.

PULWAMA — In an ongoing effort to eliminate the scourge of drugs from society, Pulwama Police took action by booking two notorious drug peddlers under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PIT NDPS Act).

In this connection, formal detention orders from the competent authority were obtained to bring these individuals to justice.

The identified drug peddlers are Imtiyaz Ahmad Ganie, son of Late Wali Mohd Ganie, residing in Chatapora, and Javaid Ahmad Ganai, son of Mohd. Shaban Ganai, residing in Loolipora Nehama.

Both individuals have been linked to multiple NDPS cases registered in various police stations within the district, actively contributing to the promotion of drug addiction by supplying narcotics to the local youth of District Pulwama.

The community members of Pulwama have expressed their appreciation for the proactive role played by Pulwama Police in taking swift action against these notorious drug peddlers.

The consistent efforts of Pulwama Police against drug peddlers aim to reassure the public that law enforcement is dedicated to maintaining a drug-free society.