Five policemen and a teacher have been dismissed from their positions for their alleged involvement in narco-terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. This action is part of a broader effort by the administration to combat terror financing and disrupt the separatist network in the region. 

The dismissed policemen, all from border areas, were implicated in drug smuggling operations connected to a cross-border narcotics syndicate. The identified officers are Farooq Ahmad Sheikh, Khalid Hussain Shah, Rehmat Shah, Irfan Ahmad Chalkoo, and Saifuldin. Additionally, school teacher Nazim Uddin has been found involved in drug trafficking activities. 

In recent years, a significant number of police, army, and paramilitary personnel have been detained for their involvement in drug smuggling operations in Jammu and Kashmir. The cross-border drug syndicate has become a major issue, serving as a crucial conduit for both terrorism and terror financing.  

These syndicates not only smuggle narcotics but also use the proceeds to fund terrorist activities, exacerbating the conflict in the region. The infiltration of such networks within security forces highlights the complex and pervasive nature of the problem, making it a pressing concern for regional security and counter-terrorism efforts. 

The first significant instance of security forces' involvement in a cross-border drug-terror network came to light in 2021 when the National Investigation Agency (NIA) apprehended a BSF officer stationed in the Handwara area of Kupwara district. This officer was alleged to be managing a cross-border drug trafficking operation connected to the Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist organisation.  

The NIA also seized ₹91 lakh in cash from Romesh Kumar, a BSF sub-inspector based in Samba, Jammu. This cash was identified as part of the financial gains from drug smuggling activities. This case highlighted the troubling intersection of drug trafficking and terrorism, with security personnel being implicated in facilitating and profiting from such illicit operations. 

Image Source: Outlook India