18 Rounded Up In Jammu Anti-Drug Drive As Reasi Steps Up Yatra Security Planning

Jammu: Police in J&K’s Jammu district said on Wednesday that they have rounded up suspects linked to drug abuse, while in Reasi district, police held a Subsidiary Multi-Agency Centre (SMAC) meeting ahead of the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra (SANJY-2026).

Jammu Police said that, continuing its sustained campaign under the Nasha Mukt Abhiyan to eradicate the menace of narcotics and strengthen its resolve to disrupt, dismantle and defeat drug networks, South Zone Jammu Police conducted an intensive Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) in Valmiki Colony, Gandhi Nagar, following specific inputs regarding alleged ganja peddling activities reported in the area in recent times.

During the operation, more than 250 houses were thoroughly searched, and 18 suspects were rounded up for sustained questioning and verification.

The operation was conducted in a planned and coordinated manner with the objective of identifying, disrupting and curbing the activities of drug peddlers and anti-social elements operating in the locality, while targeting both supply and demand chains linked to narcotics.

The entire operation was led by the SP South Zone, Jammu, with the active participation of officers and personnel of South Zone Police.

Jammu Police reaffirmed its commitment to making society drug-free through its focused approach to disrupt, dismantle and defeat the drug ecosystem and appealed to the public to come forward with information related to drug trafficking and other criminal activities to enable timely and effective action.

Meanwhile, in Reasi district, in view of the prevailing security scenario and the forthcoming Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra (SANJY-2026), Kousar Nag Yatra and Shri Budda Amarnath Yatra, a Subsidiary Multi-Agency Centre (SMAC) meeting was held at the District Police Lines, Reasi, under the chairmanship of SSP Reasi Mukund Tibrewal, IPS.

The meeting was attended by senior officers of the Police, Army, CRPF, CISF, BSF, JKAP, intelligence agencies and other security establishments. SHOs of Reasi district joined virtually.

Participating officers briefed the chair on the prevailing security situation and preparedness measures for ensuring the safe, secure and smooth conduct of the upcoming pilgrimages.

Detailed discussions were held on law and order management, counter-terrorism measures, surveillance of overground workers (OGWs), monitoring of surrendered terrorists and missing youth, prevention of radicalisation, and intelligence-led operations.

The SSP emphasised strengthening security along pilgrimage routes, vulnerable locations and vital installations, including the Chenab Bridge, Anji Bridge and other railway infrastructure.

He directed agencies to conduct regular mock drills, intensify area domination in the vicinity of religious and strategic sites, and enhance engagement with residents of fringe villages.

The SSP also urged security agencies to support the training and firing practice of Village Defence Groups (VDGs) as per PHQ guidelines.

Agencies were advised to sensitise personnel regarding the threat posed by PIO calls and ensure that no sensitive information is disclosed inadvertently.

Stress was laid on maintaining heightened vigilance, effective inter-agency coordination and robust intelligence sharing.

SSP Reasi directed verification of CCTV camera functionality and ownership details near security force establishments and called for greater use of surveillance technologies, including drones, along Yatra routes.

Reviewing Yatra-specific arrangements, he stressed strict adherence to SOPs, regular briefing of deployed personnel and public awareness regarding safety measures through the display of dos and don’ts at key locations.

He also directed the SDRF and other agencies to remain prepared for any monsoon-related emergencies and ordered thorough character verification of pony operators and porters from Reasi participating in SANJY duties.

The SSP reiterated that there is no room for complacency and emphasised that proactive policing, coordinated efforts and real-time intelligence sharing remain essential for maintaining peace and ensuring the safe conduct of the forthcoming pilgrimages.

The meeting concluded with a collective commitment from all participating agencies to further strengthen coordination and security preparedness across Reasi district.

(IANS)