Pakistan has initiated narco-terrorism in Kashmir Valley

Srinagar, July 27: Pakistan has been abetting terrorism in Kashmir for the last several decades, and now the neighbouring country is resorting to narco-terrorism by pushing drugs the through the Line of Control (LoC) inside Kashmir Valley. Three terrorists have been arrested for possession of 10 kg brown sugar, a narcotic drug in the Kupwara district. These terrorists were also carrying a cache of arms and ammunition.

The recoveries include an AK-56 rifle, four AK magazines, 76 rounds of AK ammunition, two pistols, 90 pistol rounds and 20 grenades. J&K Police said that during checking at Sadhana Pass top in district Kupwara, north Kashmir security forces recovered drugs, arms and ammunition from two vehicles.

Sources in police told News Intervention that Pakistan had roped in overground workers (OGWs) of terrorist organisations in border areas and was using them as peddlers to lure youths, especially teenagers to consume drugs.

A senior police officer said that these OGWs (overground workers) in tandem with the handlers in Pakistan make use of information technology as well as social media to communicate with each other and get the drug consignment on the LoC before sending it to other parts of valley.

The trade, police said has been going on the LoC for quite some time. “For the past few months, we have initiated a war against drugs in valley,” a senior police officer said adding that drugs have become a big menace in the valley and they are spreading fast.

“Several youth have become consumers and their parents aren’t even aware of this,” said the senior police officer. He further added that LoC is the major route through which drugs are brought inside the valley.

Earlier in June, Jammu and Kashmir Police busted a huge narcotics-terror module sponsored by Pakistan and arrested three Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) terrorist associates in Handwara town of the Kupwara district. During this raid the police had recovered 21 kg heroin and Rs 1.34 crore Indian currency, the total cache was worth over Rs 200 crore, from the possession of Lashkar terrorists.

The case is being now investigated by National Investigation Agency (NIA). The NIA said that investigations have revealed the accused persons were smuggling drugs and psychotropic substances in huge quantities through the LoC and the proceeds of sale were used to finance the activities of terrorist organisation Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) operating in the Kashmir Valley.