In a veiled attack on Pakistan for allegedly attempting to spoil the lives of the younger generation in Jammu and Kashmir, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday cautioned people against the nefarious designs of the neighbouring country.
The Lieutenant Governor said that the neighbouring nation, known as one of the world’s foremost incubators of terrorism, is pushing drugs to harm youth and sponsor terrorism. He asserted that drug money fuels terrorism and radicalisation.
He said the administration’s mission to tackle the menace is advancing on three fronts — dismantling supply chains, spreading awareness at the grassroots level, and rehabilitating addicts with dignity and care.
The Lieutenant Governor was addressing the launch of a major campaign against drug abuse and narco-terrorism at the TRC Football Ground in Srinagar. He also led a two-kilometre padyatra, urging people from all walks of life to commit themselves wholeheartedly to the fight against substance abuse.
It is pertinent to mention that the Lieutenant Governor has set a deadline of 100 days to eradicate the menace of drug addiction from Jammu and Kashmir.
He emphasised that the battle against substance abuse is being fought within homes, and the pledge taken is not merely a personal vow.
“It is a grave threat to internal security. Both terrorists and drug traffickers seek to fracture unity, corrode integrity, and destroy peace, while draining the strength of our youth to strike at Jammu and Kashmir’s future. We have adopted a 360-degree approach to crack down on drug peddlers, rehabilitate addicts, train police personnel, raise awareness, and mobilise grassroots participation,” he said.
“In the war against drug abuse and narco-terrorism, every step matters. Every effort counts. Every contribution brings victory closer. Together, let us envision a Jammu and Kashmir where no child is lost to drugs, no family is broken by addiction, no community suffers under traffickers, and every citizen thrives in health and strength,” Sinha said.
“This is the vision we pursue, the dream we must fulfil, and the legacy we owe to future generations. It is about Jammu and Kashmir’s destiny, the society we aspire to build, the values we uphold, and the lives we safeguard. Today, let us pledge that we will not rest until Jammu and Kashmir is completely drug-free,” he added.
Result of the first 21 days of the Nasha Mukti campaign in J&K
- 481 FIRs registered in J&K from April 11 to May 1.
- 518 smugglers and peddlers were sent to jail.
- 24 houses were demolished, and property worth crores was seized.
- Authorities recommended the cancellation of more than 300 driving licences.
- Cancellation of 325 vehicle registrations has been recommended.
- Nearly 3,000 drugstores were inspected, leading to 107 license suspensions and one FIR.
Reiterating that the fight against substance abuse begins at home, he said the pledge reflects the collective anguish and determination of society.
“It is the cry of every mother who has seen her child consumed by addiction and the solemn commitment of every father who has watched dreams collapse under the weight of drug abuse. It is also the promise of every teacher who has witnessed talent and potential fade into silence,” he said.
He added that the resolve to uproot drugs is not just an administrative declaration but a collective determination of the people.
“Active public participation is an unshakeable force capable of defeating the enemy’s assault through narco-terrorism. Drug traffickers and their networks have targeted our youth. We have taken a solemn oath that we will never allow them to succeed,” he said.
Highlighting the results of the 21-day-long Nasha Mukti campaign in Jammu and Kashmir, the Lieutenant Governor said that between April 11 and May 2, a total of 481 FIRs were registered, while 518 smugglers and peddlers were sent to jail.
He added that 24 houses linked to proceeds of crime were demolished, and properties worth crores were seized. Authorities have also recommended the cancellation of more than 300 driving licences and 325 vehicle registrations.
Nearly 3,000 drugstores were inspected across the region, leading to 107 licence suspensions and the registration of one FIR.
“These figures reflect how the police and civil administration, backed by public cooperation, are enforcing a strict ‘zero tolerance to drugs’ policy aimed at dismantling the supply chain completely,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor stressed that societal intervention is crucial in tackling the menace. He called for the involvement of elders, spiritual leaders, and teachers to guide youth on the right path.
“Their vigilance can save lives and act as a powerful weapon against addiction,” he said.
Addressing the youth, he added, “Drugs are not ‘cool’; they are chains that steal your freedom. Your energy belongs to sports fields, skill platforms, and building a brighter future.”
Issuing a stern warning to narco-terror networks, Sinha said their time in Jammu and Kashmir is over.
“Our agencies, administration, and people stand united to dismantle every smuggling ring and peddler network. We are tracking the financial trails of drug cartels. Every link will be broken and every mechanism destroyed,” he said.
“I assure the people that every trafficker will be exposed, every criminal will face justice, and anyone — within or outside Jammu and Kashmir — who has aided the drug network will be held accountable under the full force of law,” he added.
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