Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday joined the “Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir Padyatra” in Shopian and asserted that not a single drug smuggler would be spared in the Union Territory.
Addressing the gathering, the Lieutenant Governor said voices were rising from every corner of Jammu and Kashmir against the drug menace, marking the beginning of a new era.
“From every lane and by-lane of the UT, voices are rising in unison demanding that not a single drug smuggler be spared. What began 43 days ago in Jammu has now become a powerful grassroots movement,” Sinha said.
He said millions across Jammu and Kashmir were united in their resolve to eradicate narcotics terrorism from the region.
“It is now firmly etched in the minds of the people that this is not a distant issue but a challenge at our doorstep, one we must confront with courage and determination,” he added.
Sinha observed that drugs were diverting the youth from the path of progress and alleged that terrorist groups used proceeds from narcotics to procure weapons.
“Whether an official or anyone in public life, if they are connected in any way to the drug network, they will face strict legal action,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor said the administration would act firmly against drug smugglers and traffickers.
He also highlighted that more than 7,000 women’s committees have been formed in J&K and it is now the administration’s duty to empower these committees and ensure they can work effectively.
According to official figures, during the past 43 days, 797 FIRs have been registered and 894 drug smugglers and peddlers arrested. As many as 59 traffickers have been booked under PIT NDPS provisions, while 81 properties allegedly built using drug money have been demolished. Authorities have also attached 101 immovable properties.
Sinha said the government aimed not only to free addicted youth through de-addiction programmes but also to rehabilitate them through employment opportunities.
