5 May, 2026:
The ongoing anti-drug campaign in Jammu & Kashmir has brought renewed attention to a crisis that continues to threaten the region’s social fabric. In a recent interaction, Sunil Sethi, Chief Spokesperson of the Bharatiya Janata Party and a senior advocate, outlined critical gaps in the current system and proposed practical measures to enhance the effectiveness of the fight against narcotics. His observations highlight an uncomfortable truth: despite visible efforts, structural weaknesses continue to undermine long-term success.
At the heart of the issue lies the inadequacy of judicial infrastructure. The reliance on a single court to handle cases under the NDPS Act places an excessive burden on the system, inevitably leading to delays and inefficiencies. Drug-related offences are often complex, requiring detailed examination of evidence and procedural precision. When such cases are funneled through limited judicial channels, the likelihood of backlog increases, weakening the deterrence factor of the law. Establishing multiple specialized courts dedicated exclusively to narcotics cases is no longer a suggestion; it is a necessity. Fast-tracked hearings and focused judicial attention can significantly improve conviction rates and send a stronger message to offenders.
Equally concerning is the quality of investigation. As pointed out by Sethi, many cases collapse not because of a lack of intent, but due to procedural lapses and inadequate evidence collection. Drug traffickers and suppliers often exploit these loopholes, walking free despite being apprehended. This reflects a pressing need to professionalize investigations under the NDPS framework. Specialized training for law enforcement personnel, adoption of modern forensic tools, and strict adherence to legal procedures must become standard practice. Without strengthening the investigative backbone, even the most stringent laws fail to achieve their intended impact.
Another dimension that demands attention is the continuity of the anti-drug drive. Campaigns limited to fixed timelines, such as a “100-day mission,” may generate temporary momentum but fail to sustain long-term results. Drug abuse and trafficking are deeply entrenched issues that require consistent and persistent intervention. Treating this battle as an ongoing, daily effort rather than a time-bound initiative can help build sustained pressure on drug networks and reinforce public awareness.
Public participation emerges as a crucial pillar in this fight. Law enforcement agencies alone cannot tackle the vast and often covert networks of drug distribution. Encouraging citizens to report suspicious activities can provide valuable intelligence. However, this requires a system that ensures both protection and incentive. Informants must be assured complete confidentiality, along with meaningful rewards for their cooperation. Building such trust is essential to mobilize community support and break the silence that often shields illegal operations.
In this context, the role of non-governmental organizations cannot be overlooked. NGOs, by virtue of their grassroots presence, are better positioned to engage with communities, spread awareness, and assist individuals struggling with addiction. They can serve as a bridge between the administration and the public, making it easier for people to seek help without fear of stigma. Integrating NGOs into the broader anti-drug strategy can enhance outreach and create a more inclusive approach to tackling the problem.
The broader message is clear: combating drug abuse requires a multi-layered strategy. Strengthening judicial mechanisms, improving investigative standards, ensuring continuous enforcement, and fostering public participation must all work in tandem. Piecemeal efforts or isolated initiatives will not suffice against a challenge of this magnitude.
Jammu & Kashmir stands at a critical juncture. The success of its anti-drug campaign will depend not merely on intent but on the robustness of its systems. As Sunil Sethi highlights, the government must act decisively to reinforce every link in the chain, from investigation to prosecution and from awareness to rehabilitation. Only then can the region hope to curb the menace effectively and safeguard its future.
