SSP Anantnag denies clearance to drug-linked applicants, cites security threat

Anantnag, April 28, KNT: Police in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district have flagged an alleged nexus between narcotics syndicates and militant handlers, terming it a serious threat to national security and public order, officials said.

According to directions issued by the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Anantnag, findings from investigations into multiple NDPS cases indicate that certain drug peddlers and syndicates operating in the district have direct links with militant handlers.

The directive states that these elements are not only engaged in illegal narcotics trade but are also contributing to societal harm by supplying hazardous drugs, thereby endangering public health and disturbing social stability.

In response, the SSP has ordered all field units to adopt stricter scrutiny during verification processes, including those related to passports, government employment, contractor registrations, and other character and antecedent checks.

Officials have been instructed to explicitly mention, in red ink, any involvement or suspected links of applicants with narcotics syndicates during such verifications. The move is aimed at ensuring that individuals associated with drug networks do not gain access to sensitive positions or official clearances.

The order further directs that no security clearance shall be granted to any individual found to be linked with drug peddling or narcotics operations.

Police said the measures are necessary in view of the “grave threat” posed by such networks to the security of the State and the maintenance of public order. [KNT]