Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday led a ‘Drug-Free J&K Padyatra’ in Kulgam and addressed a public gathering, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to eradicating drug abuse and dismantling narco-terror networks in the Union Territory.
Addressing the gathering, Sinha said the anti-drug campaign had evolved into a people’s movement, bringing together parents, teachers, religious leaders and young volunteers with a shared resolve to make every village and town drug-free.
“The road ahead is long. The fight against drugs will require sustained effort, constant vigilance and collective unity. We must continue to encourage our youth, protect our families and strengthen our communities,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor noted that 51 days ago, the people of Jammu and Kashmir ignited a spark of change, which has now transformed into a powerful movement of hope, courage and determination through widespread public participation.
Describing the campaign as a direct strike on the financial backbone of terrorism, Sinha said every rupee spent on drugs fuels extremist violence and sustains narco-terror networks. “By stopping the drug trade, we cut off the lifeline that supports terror networks. This is not merely a public health campaign but also a fight for national security,” he said.
He added that curbing drug smuggling weakens forces seeking to destabilise the nation, harm innocent citizens and divert the youth from the path of progress.
Highlighting the challenges faced by Jammu and Kashmir, Sinha said the region had endured years of attacks on society by narco-terrorists. He credited the anti-drug initiatives launched under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for strengthening the fight against addiction and trafficking.
Recalling his 2021 pledge for a fear-free and drug-free Jammu and Kashmir, Sinha said significant progress had been made in breaking the grip of drugs and terrorism on the youth.
“The chains that once trapped our youth in the dark web of drugs are breaking apart, link by link, day by day,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor said extensive and coordinated operations had been conducted over the past 51 days against drug traffickers and narco-terrorists. “With a whole-of-government approach, we are dismantling entrenched networks. Raids have targeted drug smugglers and peddlers across villages and towns, supply chains have been disrupted, and narco-terrorists have been exposed,” he said.
According to officials, 923 FIRs have been registered against drug traffickers during the past 51 days. More than 1,000 smugglers and peddlers have been arrested, while over 55 traffickers have been detained under the PIT-NDPS Act. Authorities have also cancelled 668 driving licences and recommended the revocation of 124 passports.
Sinha emphasised that the administration’s efforts extend beyond enforcement measures and include disrupting supply chains, creating public awareness and ensuring dignified rehabilitation for individuals battling addiction.
“We will ensure that our youth are freed from the grip of addiction, reintegrated into mainstream society, and empowered to lead Jammu and Kashmir towards a brighter future,” he said.
