Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday joined a padyatra in Anantnag as part of the “Drug-Free J&K Campaign” and urged people to break their silence against the growing menace of drugs.
“The challenge of drug addiction can only be eradicated through a whole-of-society approach. Every corner of the Union Territory — schools, colleges, families, sports grounds, villages and theatre stages — must raise awareness against drug abuse with determination,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
Sinha said the administration and society must understand the link between drug trafficking and terrorism and work collectively to defeat both.
“Our neighbouring country is deliberately smuggling drugs into Jammu and Kashmir. Drug money is being used to build narco-networks, fund terrorism and promote radicalisation. While drugs are destroying the future of our youth, terror outfits are using the proceeds to buy weapons and spread violence,” he said.
He said the narco-terror network has inflicted suffering on generations in Jammu and Kashmir for decades. “That is why I always say drug addiction and terrorism are not separate challenges; they are two faces of the same problem. We will not rest until this menace is completely defeated,” he added.
The Lieutenant Governor directed the police and civil administration to intensify the anti-drug campaign in every panchayat of Anantnag, particularly vulnerable areas, during the next 71 days.
“A decisive blow is being dealt to the network of drug smugglers in Anantnag district. Since April 11, as many as 108 NDPS cases have been registered. Narco-properties worth Rs 3.5 crore have been demolished. Twenty-two vehicles have been seized, eight driving licences and registrations cancelled, and 13 drug stores sealed for violating the law,” he said.
Sinha assured the people that no drug smuggler would be spared and the entire network involved in drug trafficking would be dismantled.
Calling women and youth the greatest strength in the fight against drugs, he urged them to help vulnerable youth return to the right path and seek support from the administration whenever required. “I appeal to sportspersons, teachers and religious leaders to dedicate the next 71 days to awareness and rehabilitation efforts and pledge to make Jammu and Kashmir drug-free,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor also urged religious leaders to provide spiritual and moral guidance to youth and warn them about the dangers of substance abuse. “This battle is not the administration’s alone. It is a collective responsibility of society. Let us pledge that drug peddlers will not be allowed to flourish in our villages and localities,” he said.
“We will rehabilitate youth affected by drugs. When people unite for a cause, their strength multiplies manifold,” Sinha added.
He also reiterated his commitment to ensuring justice for every terror victim family and said sports infrastructure would help channel the energy of youth in a positive direction while strengthening discipline and sportsmanship.
