Manzoor Ahmed Naik
Jammu and Kashmir has long been at the forefront of India’s security discourse, but today, the nature of the threat it faces has evolved drastically. While militancy and infiltration remain real concerns, a new, silent, and far-reaching danger is growing fast-narco-terrorism. This toxic blend of drug trafficking and terrorism is being systematically pushed from across the border by Pakistan-based handlers to not only fund terror operations but to destabilize society from within. The most affected regions are the border districts of Poonch and Rajouri, which are becoming the epicenters of this dangerous nexus due to their geographical vulnerability and proximity to the Line of Control (LoC).
The geography of Rajouri and Poonch makes them especially susceptible to this new form of hybrid warfare. With over 150 kilometers of porous LoC and countless unmanned nallahs, forests, and ridgelines, these districts have historically witnessed infiltration and arms smuggling. Now, they are being targeted for heroin and synthetic drug smuggling, either through traditional couriers or increasingly via drone drops. Villages in Mendhar, Balakote, Keri, Krishna Ghati, and other LoC-adjoining areas have reported multiple incidents where local youth were lured into transporting or distributing drugs for terror-linked handlers in exchange for quick money.
Recent high-profile cases highlight the severity of the situation. In October 2023, a joint operation in Mendhar led to the seizure of nearly three kilograms of heroin along with arms and ammunition, all traced back to Pakistani handlers. Similarly, in April 2024, a drone drop intercepted in Balakote yielded over one kilogram of heroin, fake currency, and a pistol. Investigations revealed that these consignments were meant to be distributed by local Over Ground Workers (OGWs), who had previously been involved in terror logistics. In Thanamandi, youth were arrested with heroin, and police investigations exposed their connection to cross-border smugglers. These cases are not isolated; they form part of a broader pattern that indicates how deeply the narco-terror network is penetrating local society.
The Jammu and Kashmir Police, in coordination with security forces, have intensified their efforts to combat this menace. Special drives under Operation Sanjeevani have been launched across Poonch and Rajouri to dismantle drug supply chains. Police have not only increased NDPS-related arrests but have also begun sealing properties of repeat offenders under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act. In 2023 alone, more than 230 FIRs were filed in these two districts for drug-related offences. The deployment of drone surveillance, increased patrolling along LoC villages, and coordination with intelligence agencies have improved border monitoring. Police and Army units in Rajouri, Budhal, and Mendhar have also started engaging with village heads to strengthen local intelligence and prevent youth from falling prey to drug lords.
However, the fight against narco-terrorism cannot be won by law enforcement alone. Civil society must play a central role in countering this deeply entrenched crisis. Encouragingly, religious leaders in Darhal and Surankote have begun addressing the issue in Friday sermons, urging families to monitor their children and dissuade them from drug use. School teachers in Rajouri town and Budhal have conducted workshops and awareness rallies in partnership with the police. In some areas, especially Thanamandi, local youth clubs have launched social media campaigns and door-to-door awareness drives with slogans like “Zindagi Bachao, Nasha Hatao.” These grassroots efforts show promise, but they require sustained state support and resources to be truly impactful.
The impact of narco-terrorism on the youth in these districts is devastating. Once known for their patriotic zeal and academic aspirations, many young people in Rajouri and Poonch are now battling addiction. Drugs like heroin, brown sugar, and synthetic tablets have made their way even into school communities. There has been a noticeable rise in dropout rates, domestic abuse, thefts, and in extreme cases, suicides. Entire families in border towns are living in fear-not only of external threats but of losing their children to addiction.
What is needed now is a comprehensive and sustained policy-level response. The government must prioritize the establishment of full-fledged de-addiction and rehabilitation centers in Poonch and Rajouri. Existing ones are either under-resourced or not accessible to the most affected communities. Border surveillance must be technologically upgraded with drone jammers, AI-based motion sensors, and dedicated anti-narcotics teams in police stations near the LoC. Special sessions courts should fast-track NDPS cases to ensure that smugglers and dealers face swift and strict punishment. Simultaneously, the government must promote positive engagement by investing in youth clubs, sports facilities, and vocational training to wean young people away from drugs.
Narco-terrorism is not merely a criminal challenge-it is a national security threat aimed at crippling the youth and financing violence. In Poonch and Rajouri, the stakes are even higher. These districts, which have produced countless soldiers, officers, and martyrs for the nation, must not be allowed to become breeding grounds for drug addiction and terror funding. The people of these regions have endured decades of conflict and hardship. They now deserve protection, opportunity, and peace.
The battle against narco-terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, especially in Poonch and Rajouri, is a test of our collective resolve. It is not enough to treat symptoms; we must strike at the roots. If we lose our youth, we lose our future. The time to act is now-and every hand, from Government to civil society, must be on deck.
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