Budgam, May 05: National Conference (NC) President Farooq Abdullah on Tuesday said that the people’s verdict in the recently declared election results in four states and one Union Territory must be respected, expressing hope that the new governments would work for public welfare.

Speaking to reporters at Charar-i-Sharief in central Kashmir’s Budgam district, Abdullah per news agency—Kashmir News Obserer (KNO), said the decision of the people is before everyone. “New governments have come in; may Allah guide them to work for the welfare of the people. This nation belongs to all of us, and it should be taken care of so that everyone progresses.”

On the upcoming Panchayat elections, Abdullah said the NC is ready to participate and is awaiting the official notification. He described Panchayats as an essential pillar of democracy, stating that they enable development at the grassroots level.

Referring to developmental issues at Charar-i-Sharief, Abdullah said work on the Khanqah project was initiated during his tenure in 1996 but alleged that later modifications weakened the structure. He claimed that substandard construction and structural flaws have made the first floor unsafe for prayers.

He added that despite expert recommendations, no corrective measures were implemented. Urging the present administration to intervene, he appealed for renovation and completion of the unfinished Khanqah project.

Abdullah also raised concerns about infrastructure issues at Pakherpora Shrine, stating that the ground near the new mosque requires immediate attention.

Kulgam, May 05: In a major breakthrough against drug trafficking, Kulgam Police successfully dismantled a major drug network by arresting three accused, including a key kingpin identified as Sadiq Hussain alias Showki from Vijaypur, Samba, and recovered a significant quantity of heroin along with cash.

A police spokesperson said in a statement on the basis of reliable information received from a credible source, it was learnt that two individuals — Hilal Ahmad Ganai, son of Ghulam Mohiuddin Ganai resident of Kanispora in district Baramulla and Parvaz Ahmad Bhat, son of Mohammad Abdullah Bhat, resident of sident Wagoora in the Wagoora area of district Baramulla — were involved in smuggling and selling narcotic contraband like Heroin.

The information further revealed that they were transporting the contraband from Banihal towards Qazigund via NH-44 in a vehicle (Baleno) with the intention to supply it among local youth.

Acting promptly, Police Station Qazigund registered FIR No. 108/2026 under relevant sections of the NDPS Act and initiated investigation, he said.

A naka was laid at Choimulla under the leadership of Manav Dhanetiya (IPS Probationer), SHO Qazigund, leading to the interception of the said vehicle. Both accused were apprehended and 50 grams of Heroin like substance was recovered from their possession. The vehicle used in the commission of offence was also seized.

During investigation, the spokesperson said, the first backward linkage was established, leading to the identification of a major supplier and kingpin — Sadiq Hussain @ Showki S/o Mareed Ali R/o Rakh Barothian, Vijaypur, Samba.

Subsequently, a search warrant was obtained from the competent court, and a police team from Qazigund, with the help of Samba Police, conducted a raid at the accused’s residence in Samba. The team successfully apprehended the accused, the statement said.

“During the search of his premises, particularly a stable,152 grams of Heroin and ₹52,000* cash were recovered.” the spokesperson said.

Preliminary investigation has revealed that the accused kingpin was operating a well-organized drug network with a large number of clients across Jammu & Kashmir, supplying narcotics on a daily basis and causing severe damage to society, especially the youth. Further investigation is going on as more arrests and recoveries are expected.

The entire operation was conducted under the supervision of SDPO Qazigund Mansoor Ayaz (JKPS) and Addl. SP NHW Shri Mumtaz Ali Bhatti (JKPS).

The vehicle involved is also being processed for legal action under relevant provisions of law.

SSP Kulgam, Anayat Ali Chowdhary-IPS appealed people, especially youth, to stay away from drugs and parents must remain vigilant.

He urged the public to share any information regarding drug-related activities with the police, assuring that the identity of informers will be kept confidential, and warned that strict legal action will be taken against anyone found involved in drug trafficking or peddling.

The operation showcased the courage, coordination, and dedication of Kulgam Police, police said.

Kulgam Police reiterated its firm resolve to eliminate drug abuse and trafficking and warns all those involved in such illegal activities that strict action under law is inevitable

Budgam, May 05: The Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha joined a large people’s movement in Budgam today as part of drug-free J&K campaign and assured the citizens that every arm of administration would act with resolve and unity to confront the issue and ensure that the threat is effectively eliminated.

The Lieutenant Governor appealed to every family, social organization, spiritual and political leaders in Budgam to intensify drug-free J&K campaign across the district and assured them that the administration and its full strength is committed to eradicating drugs.

The Lieutenant Governor also announced an informal ‘Parents Brigade’ in every village and city, wherever possible. He said the aim is to create a voluntary network of parents, women and youth who will be trained and empowered to identify early signs of drug use in villages or wards, and to immediately connect families with resources.

The Lieutenant Governor said the entire district of Budgam must stand against the poison of drugs that is destroying the souls of our youth.

“I believe that every young person lost to addiction is a loss of strength for our future workforce, and a lost soldier for our police and army. Every family broken by addiction is a crack in the foundation of our society,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

The Lieutenant Governor observed that in this war against drugs, society must accept the truth that many boys and girls are in the grip of narcotics. He said there is no harm in accepting this, as they are our own children. They are victims, not criminals, and they need our embrace, compassion and care.

“Furthermore, the public must eliminate the stigma, so that if a family is suffering, they do not have to endure the pain in silence. This tradition must change because today’s circumstances are such that silence will not defeat this; the public must raise its voice,” the LG said.

The Lieutenant Governor further stated that drug addiction is not just a health issue; it is also a crisis of national security. He said drugs entering into our society do not only hollow out the aspirations of our youth and damage their self-confidence, but the drug trade is also funding terrorism and radicalization.

“The entire world knows that our neighbour, a major patron of terrorism smuggling drugs into Jammu Kashmir. Drug trafficking and terror funding are no longer separate issues-they are two hands of the same enemy. We must remember that when we fight against drugs, we are also fighting against terror. When we protect our youth, we protect our nation,” LG Sinha said.

He said that he launched the Drug-Free Jammu & Kashmir campaign 24 days ago on 11th April in Jammu with the faith that no enemy, no matter how conspiratorial, can stand before a united society.

“The law enforcement agencies alone cannot win this war; the administration alone cannot win it. But together, every teacher, parent, spiritual leader, elder, doctor, youth and woman becomes an invincible force, and I have full faith that Budgam will carry this campaign forward with this spirit,” Sinha said.

He said in this 100-days campaign, people have 76 days left and in these 76 days, we must prove that when society decides to fight against a social evil, every citizen wins.

“I have directed every police station in the Kashmir Valley to gather full information on active drug smugglers and peddlers in their jurisdiction and take decisive action within 30 days. We are monitoring every financial transaction of drug cartels, and action will be ensured not just against small-time peddlers but against major smugglers. The palaces built with drug money will be razed to the ground,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

He also urged every citizen to participate actively in the awareness campaign and become the eyes and ears of the police and administration.

“If you see any suspicious activity in any corner of Budgam, report it immediately. With your cooperation, it will be ensured that no drug peddler can remain around any village, neighbourhood, or college in Budgam. I want to tell the drug smugglers, elements linked to the narco-terror network, and drug peddlers active in Budgam that your time on the soil of Budgam has ended. Our agencies know who you are. Our administration is coming after you, and today I promise every resident of Budgam that not a single drug smuggler will escape accountability,” Manoj Sinha said.