Anantnag, Jammu & Kashmir – In a significant move against the pervasive drug menace and illegal land encroachments, authorities in Anantnag district, in a coordinated operation with the civil administration, have demolished several commercial structures valued in crores. These establishments, situated along the vital National Highway 44 (NH-44) in the Sangam area, were reportedly constructed on state land and are alleged to be linked to individuals involved in narcotics-related offenses. The operation underscores a stringent zero-tolerance policy towards drug peddling and unauthorized land use in the region.
The demolition drive, meticulously planned and executed by the Anantnag Police in conjunction with civil authorities, targeted properties that were found to have been illegally erected on government-owned land. As per information available with TahirRihat.com, the structures in question were primarily roadside eateries, commonly referred to as ‘dabbas’ or restaurants. Their connection to individuals facing charges under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act has been a central point of the crackdown.
The operation focused on a specific parcel of state land identified by Khasra No. 319 (min) in the estate of Sangam, directly along the NHW-44. Multiple establishments on this land were systematically dismantled. Among the prominent structures demolished was one known as “Kashmir Restaurant (Dabba)”. This eatery was reportedly owned by Gul Mohammad Mir, son of Mohammad Sadiq Mir, and Bashir Ahmad Mir, son of Gul Mohammad Mir, both residents of Donipora Sangam. Official records indicate that Gul Mohammad Mir has a prior involvement in FIR No. 232/2011, registered under Section 8/20 of the NDPS Act at the Bijbehara Police Station. His son, Bashir Ahmad Mir, faces more recent charges, being involved in FIR Nos. 191/2020 under Section 8/20 and FIR No. 213/2024 under Sections 8/15 and 29 of the NDPS Act, also registered at Police Station Bijbehara. The scale of the alleged drug trafficking activities associated with these individuals has prompted this decisive action.
Further into the demolition process, another establishment named “Taj Restaurant (Dabba)” was also targeted. This structure, situated on the same Khasra number, was reportedly owned by Mohammad Maqbool Mir, son of Mohammad Sadiq Mir, along with his sons Aijaz Ahmad and Ghulam Mohi-ud-din Mir. All are residents of Donipora Sangam. These individuals are reportedly involved in FIR No. 188/2021, registered under Sections 8/15 and 29 of the NDPS Act at Police Station Bijbehara. The systematic dismantling of these businesses highlights the administration’s resolve to sever the financial and operational links of drug peddlers with their illicit enterprises.
Adding to the list of demolished properties was a third structure identified as “MIR Restaurant”. This establishment was located between the aforementioned “Kashmir Restaurant” and “Taj Restaurant”. According to reports, this eatery belonged to Amma Mir, who is stated to be a brother of the owners of the other two establishments. The demolition of all these structures was carried out following strict legal procedures, ensuring that the action was compliant with existing laws and regulations pertaining to land encroachment and criminal activities. The Anantnag Police have reiterated their unwavering commitment to combating the drug menace and have appealed to the general public for enhanced cooperation. They urge citizens to come forward and share any information related to drug trafficking and other illegal activities to aid law enforcement agencies in their efforts to maintain peace and security in the district.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.
