Senior Advocate Bashir Sidiq on Tuesday expressed concern over the rising number of drug-related cases in Jammu and Kashmir, revealing that nearly 800 such cases are currently pending before various courts in the Union Territory.
Speaking at an event held in Amar Singh Club, Sidiq said the launch of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan under Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has led to a sharp increase in case registrations, putting immense pressure on both the judiciary and investigating agencies.
“Around 300 bail applications related to narcotics are also awaiting disposal,” he said, adding that on average, 40 new cases are registered every month while courts see nearly 60 acquittals in drug-related matters.
“Every day, three to four new cases are being registered, which shows the magnitude of the drug menace confronting society,” Sidiq said.
He stressed the urgent need to strengthen the investigation mechanism, calling upon the government to deploy specially trained police personnel for narcotics cases.
“Drug-related cases require professional and scientific investigation. The government must deploy trained police personnel so that investigations are conducted effectively and convictions can be ensured,” he asserted.
Sidiq also called for coordinated efforts between law enforcement agencies, courts, and civil society to curb the growing threat of substance abuse and trafficking in J&K.
Legal luminary Zaffar Shah graced the occasion, along with other prominent participants including Sr Adv Z. A. Shah, Nasir Hamid Khan, Dr. Maroof Shah, Dr. Ab Majeed, Prof. Shah, Dr. Fazal-e-Roub, Dr. Shazia, Dr. Lubna Khan, Dr. Fayaz Ahmad, G. M. Lone, Dr. Tasneen, Dr. Masooda Rajpori, and Dr. Masooda Yasmeen.
