Srinagar, Nov 05: Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir Zone Sujit Kumar Singh on Thursday appealed to families of drug addicts, particularly mothers, to approach the police for assistance in helping their loved ones overcome addiction, assuring them that their identities would be kept confidential.
Addressing a press conference in Srinagar, the IGP said Kashmir Police had arrested 1,941 persons in more than 1,500 cases registered under the anti-narcotics drive this year. The police have also seized 1,711 kilograms of contraband substances and attached properties worth ₹154 crore belonging to alleged drug traffickers.
Sharing details of the ongoing anti-drug campaign, he said 567 bank accounts had been frozen and approximately ₹10.11 crore recovered in cash. Besides, around 2,111 kanals of land under illicit cultivation had been destroyed as part of the sustained efforts to curb drug trafficking.
Making a special appeal to mothers and families dealing with drug addiction, Singh urged them not to hesitate in seeking police assistance, saying the department would ensure confidentiality and facilitate treatment and rehabilitation for affected individuals.
“Those mothers who are fighting this battle and want their children to come out of drug addiction should come forward. We will protect their identity and extend every possible assistance,” he said.
He said families could approach any police station for help, adding that the department would facilitate access to drug de-addiction and rehabilitation facilities.
On cybercrime, the IGP said 12,385 complaints involving more than ₹54 crore had been received this year. Of the total amount involved, police had managed to recover approximately ₹7.48 crore, while efforts were underway to trace and freeze the remaining funds in coordination with banks and other concerned agencies.
He further said 93 FIRs had been registered in connection with cyber fraud, including seven cases involving mule bank accounts.
Cautioning young people against becoming part of cyber fraud networks, Singh urged them not to allow their bank accounts, mobile numbers or identities to be misused for fraudulent transactions.
The IGP also expressed concern over incidents of rash driving, dangerous biking, triple riding, modified silencers and high-speed stunts, particularly among youngsters.
He said traffic enforcement drives had been intensified during both daytime and night hours to curb violations and prevent road accidents.
Warning against reckless driving, he said such behaviour not only endangers the lives of those involved but also puts pedestrians, commuters and other road users at risk.
He urged young people to respect the safety and comfort of elderly and sick residents by avoiding unnecessary noise and dangerous driving, particularly during night hours.
Emphasising the positive role of social media, Singh encouraged youngsters to use digital platforms responsibly by sharing constructive content and motivating others to stay away from dangerous stunts and traffic violations.
He said the police department was committed to supporting constructive initiatives by young people and had the necessary government support to strengthen its efforts.
The IGP stressed that tackling drug addiction, cybercrime and road safety challenges required collective participation from families, elders, youth and civil society, adding that these social issues could not be addressed by the police alone.
