Poonch Civil Defence Drill: Poonch Steps Up Crackdown on Drug Networks; Strict Action Planned/DC
Poonch Civil Defence Drill is scheduled to take place tonight as part of an emergency preparedness exercise, with authorities urging residents to remain calm. Alongside the drill, the district administration has announced intensified action against drug networks.
POONCH MIRROR NEWS DESK APRIL 24,2026
POONCH, April 24 – Deputy Commissioner Ashok Kumar Sharma held a press conference here on Friday to announce a civil defence mock exercise across the district and to detail the administration’s escalating enforcement measures against drug trafficking. He urged residents not to panic during the drill and appealed for public cooperation to identify those involved in the narcotics trade.
The Deputy Commissioner stated that a coordinated mock drill would be conducted in Poonch in collaboration with the Civil Defence organisation from 8:00 PM to 8:10 PM this evening. He added that similar exercises are also being held in other districts.
“The purpose of this drill is to prepare residents for emergency situations. I request the public not to panic and to avoid any unnecessary fear,” Sharma said. He advised residents to keep their lights switched off and to draw the curtains of their homes during the ten-minute window. He noted that in the past, such activities have sometimes triggered undue alarm, which is why the administration was issuing an advance advisory through multiple channels.
According to Sharma, the information regarding the drill has been disseminated to the public through a formal advisory, as well as through tehsildars, lambardars and chowkidars across the district.
The Deputy Commissioner also outlined the district’s anti-narcotics strategy, saying that the administration has now implemented a zero-tolerance policy towards drug abuse and trafficking. He urged the public to share information on drug dealers so that authorities can act immediately.
In a detailed warning aimed at those involved in the illegal trade, Sharma listed a series of punitive measures that the administration intends to pursue. He said that in addition to registering criminal cases, the authorities will attach illegally acquired properties and demolish unauthorised structures belonging to those found to be involved. He added that the arms licences, driving licences, vehicle registrations and passports of such individuals would be revoked.
The Deputy Commissioner specifically extended this warning to government employees, stating that any public servant found to be involved in narcotics-related activities would face immediate and severe disciplinary consequences.
Sharma disclosed that the pace of enforcement has accelerated markedly in the current year. He said that the number of cases registered against narcotics offenders in the first few days of this year alone has already equalled the total number of cases registered during the entire previous year. He did not provide specific figures but described the increase as a significant jump in enforcement activity.
“We are determined to make Poonch drug-free,” Sharma told the assembled media. He reiterated that while strict action would continue, a safe and peaceful society cannot be built by force alone. “Aware and responsible citizens are the foundation of a safe society,” he said. He assured residents that any information shared with the authorities would be kept confidential and acted upon promptly.
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