ARTO Disqualifies Licences of NDPS Accused, Vehicles Face Blacklisting | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: The Transport Department in Kishtwar has disqualified driving licences of accused persons and initiated proceedings against vehicles involved in narcotics cases registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act.

Officials said Assistant Regional Transport Officer Kishtwar, Tasleem Javed Wani, ordered the action following cases registered by District Police Kishtwar at Police Station Kishtwar. The move, they said, is intended to deny drug peddlers the use of transport facilities for illegal activities.

As per official records, FIR No. 12 of 2026, registered on January 8 under Sections 8, 21 and 22 of the NDPS Act, pertains to Salman Nisar Sheikh, son of Nisar Ahmed Sheikh, a resident of Link Road, Kishtwar. Following the registration of the case, his driving licence bearing number JK1720140028119 was disqualified by the ARTO Kishtwar.

Officials said the registration certificate and route permit of the vehicle used in the offence, bearing registration number JK02DH1248, have also been recommended for suspension. The proposal has been forwarded to the Regional Transport Officer Jammu for further action, including blacklisting of the vehicle to prevent its future misuse.

In another case, the ARTO Kishtwar disqualified the driving licence of Mohd Rajab, son of Mohd Anwar, a resident of Srawan Thakrie, on January 6, 2026. He is an accused in FIR No. 05 of 2026, registered under Sections 8 and 20 of the NDPS Act at Police Station Kishtwar. His driving licence bearing number JK1720160031578 was accordingly cancelled.

Officials said the action is part of a Union Territory-wide coordinated drive involving Jammu and Kashmir Police, the National Investigation Agency, Traffic Police and the Transport Department to combat drug trafficking. While law enforcement agencies are intensifying operations to dismantle drug networks, the Transport Department is enforcing administrative measures such as suspension of licences, cancellation of permits and blacklisting of vehicles involved in NDPS cases.

Officials further said the administration has stepped up seizure and attachment of properties, vehicles and other assets acquired through proceeds of drug trafficking under the NDPS Act, following due legal process, to weaken the financial base of drug peddlers.

ARTO Kishtwar Tasleem Javed Wani said driving licences, route permits and vehicle registrations are privileges, and anyone found misusing them for drug-related crimes will face strict action without leniency, officials said. [KNT]