Asif Iqbal Naik
Kishtwar, January 01, 2026:
District Police Kishtwar, under the dynamic and result-oriented leadership of SSP Kishtwar Sh. Naresh Singh (JKPS), achieved significant and tangible successes during the year 2025, particularly on the counter-terrorism and anti-militancy front, while simultaneously strengthening overall crime control, public safety and community policing across the district.
During 2025, District Police Kishtwar remained at the forefront of anti-militancy operations and successfully conducted six major counter-terror operations in the district. These intelligence-based and terrain-specific operations led to the neutralisation of three foreign terrorists, dealing a major blow to the attempts of militant outfits to revive their presence in the difficult and sensitive areas of Kishtwar. In addition, as many as 1,523 Cordon and Search Operations (CASOs) were conducted across the district, ensuring area domination, denial of space to terrorists and enhanced confidence among the general public.
In a sustained crackdown on the terror support ecosystem, District Police Kishtwar intensified action against Over Ground Workers (OGWs). A total of 151 OGWs were identified, including four newly identified during the year 2025. Of these, 24 OGWs are presently lodged in jail, while one was detained under the Public Safety Act (PSA). These actions significantly weakened the logistical, financial and intelligence networks that provide support to terrorist activities in the region.
District Police also took firm and lawful action against Jammu and Kashmir Network of Operatives of Militancy (JKNOPs) by targeting their illegally acquired properties. A total of 36 JKNOPs were identified, and properties belonging to 18 such operatives were attached under relevant legal provisions. During 2025 alone, properties of 11 JKNOPs were attached, compared to seven in the previous year, sending a strong deterrent message and disrupting the economic backbone of the terror ecosystem.
Alongside counter-terror achievements, Kishtwar Police recorded a marked improvement in overall crime disposal. During 2025, a total of 394 cases were registered, out of which 369 cases were disposed of, achieving an impressive disposal rate of 93.65 percent, compared to 86.98 percent in 2024. This reflects improved investigation standards, supervision and accountability at all levels.
The district also witnessed intensified action against narcotics and organised crime. NDPS cases rose to 27 during 2025, leading to the arrest of 34 persons, with major seizures of chitta, charas, ganja and psychotropic substances. Preventive detention under PIT-NDPS was also invoked against two habitual offenders. In burglary cases, police achieved major breakthroughs by arresting 36 burglars and recovering cash amounting to ₹23.87 lakh, including ₹14.42 lakh in the high-profile J&K Bank robbery case at Dachhan.
District Police Kishtwar also strengthened cybercrime response during the year by tracing financial frauds amounting to ₹1.30 crore and recovering 230 missing mobile phones worth approximately ₹50 lakh. Action against bovine smuggling continued vigorously, resulting in the rescue of 105 bovines and seizure of multiple vehicles.
Apart from enforcement, District Police played a pivotal role in disaster response during the tragic cloud burst and flash floods at Chishoti in Padder Atholi on August 14, 2025. Working in close coordination with the district administration, Army, CAPFs, NDRF, SDRF and volunteers, police personnel participated in large-scale rescue and relief operations, helping rescue nearly 20,000 people despite extremely challenging conditions.
To strengthen surveillance and preventive policing, the district expanded its CCTV network to 1,831 cameras, with 389 new cameras installed during 2025. Police also maintained strong public connect through regular PCPG and CSC meetings, Thana Diwas programmes and extensive awareness drives, especially against drug abuse.
District Police Kishtwar has appealed to the general public to refrain from circulating rumours, sensitive or unverified information on social media that could disturb peace and harmony in the district. Media persons have also been advised to strictly adhere to the Standard Operating Procedures issued by the district administration while reporting on security-related matters.
Reaffirming its commitment to zero tolerance against terrorism, District Police Kishtwar stated that the achievements of 2025 reflect the unwavering dedication, coordinated efforts and professional excellence of all ranks in maintaining law and order, safeguarding public safety and ensuring lasting peace in the district.
