Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, while chairing the 12th UT Level NCORD Committee meeting, underscored the importance of strict enforcement of laws, victim rehabilitation, and massive awareness campaigns to address the growing drug menace in the Union Territory.
High-Level Meeting:
The meeting was attended by key officials, including DG Police, Principal Secretary Home, ACS Jal Shakti Department, Principal Secretary School Education, senior civil and police officers, and representatives from BSF, ED, and SIA. Outstation officers joined online.
Call for Collective Action:
Dulloo stressed the need for collaboration between the civil administration and Police Department. He emphasized:
- Strict Action: Effective deterrents against drug dealers.
- Strong Cases: Robust investigations and prosecutions to ensure convictions.
- Accountability: Holding defaulting police officers and government employees involved in NDPS cases accountable.
Enhanced Investigation & Prosecution: The Chief Secretary noted that tardy investigations and weak prosecutions often lead to early acquittals. He directed:
- Training: Capacity building for Investigation Officers and Public Prosecutors.
- Audits: Review of acquittal cases to identify and fix loopholes.
- Appeals: Timely challenges of bail and acquittal orders in higher courts.
Healthcare & Awareness Initiatives:
Dulloo called for:
- De-addiction Facilities: IPD facilities in district hospitals and OPD services in health centers.
- Counseling: Best counseling and treatment, both online and offline.
- Education: Collaboration with School and Higher Education Departments for student awareness programs.
Police Efforts Lauded:
DG Police Nalin Prabhat highlighted a paradigm shift in investigations under NDPS and PITNDPS Acts, with manifold increases in actions against offenders. He noted:
- Property Attachments: Properties worth Rs 12.04 crore attached in 2024, with Rs 50 crore under process.
- Action Against Kingpins: 274 drug kingpins booked under PITNDPS in 2024, up from 270 in 2023 and 195 in 2022.
Strategic Measures: Principal Secretary Home, Chandraker Bharti, suggested:
- National Portals: Leveraging platforms like NIDAAN for tracing case links.
- Property Actions: Attachment and red entries in revenue records against immovable properties of offenders.
Performance Report: IG Crime, Sunil Kumar, presented a report revealing:
- Disciplinary Actions:
- 15 civil employees (out of 143 cases).
- 69 police personnel (out of 175 cases).
- 9 army personnel (out of 19 cases) penalized for involvement in NDPS cases.
Turning the Tide:
The Government’s resolute measures and coordinated approach signify a strong commitment to eradicating the drug menace from Jammu and Kashmir. With increased enforcement, awareness, and victim rehabilitation, the UT is steadily progressing towards a drug-free society.
