Drug problem in J&K linked to terrorism, special courts needed: BJP

Bijral, a former inspector general of police, said the special courts were needed because the gain of drug abuse was directly linked with terrorism.

Jammu, Aug 29: Stating that the growing menace of drug abuse was directly linked with militancy and cross-border terrorism, the Jammu and Kashmir unit of BJP on Tuesday demanded setting up of special courts to deal with such issues.

BJP state spokesperson S S Bijral said in Jammu and Kashmir 2,734 cases were pending trial at start of 2016 which swelled to 3,079 cases by the year end.

"The alarming proportion with which drug abuse is catching up with our youth, girls included, is a cause of major worry. It is high time to establish special courts for the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act cases," he said.

Bijral, a former inspector general of police, said the special courts were needed because the gain of drug abuse was directly linked with "militancy, cross-border terrorism" and harmful effects on the future generation.

"As many as 617 NDPS cases were registered in 2016, marking an increase of 29 cases over the previous year," he said.

He claimed the district of Jammu, Kathua, Reasi, Udhampur and Ramban in Jammu division and Kulgam, Anantnag, Srinagar and Sopore area of Baramulla in Kashmir division were the "red areas" in the illicit trade.

He said 213 cases ended in acquittals and only 45 in conviction last year. He said this coupled with delayed trial was a morale booster for the drug mafia.

PTI