JAMMU: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has given a clarion call to make the Union Territory (UT) of J&K free from the scourge of drugs. He was speaking in Jammu on April 11 after launching a historic mass movement for a “Drug-Free Jammu Kashmir” from MAM Stadium.
Sinha flagged off a Padyatra and joined the public representatives, senior officials and thousands of citizens in the walkathon from the stadium to Parade Ground. This marked the beginning of 100 days of intensive campaign under Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir Abhiyaan.
Addressing the gathering, the LG said: “We have given voice to a resolve that will reach every village, town, city, home, and heartbeat in the UT, fulfilling the pledge of a drug-free region. Next three months are pivotal, with campaign advancing in six clear phases – Awareness intensive drives, youth focused events, community engagement, strict enforcement, rehabilitation and evaluation. We will move forward with the whole of government approach to rid J&K of drug menace.”
Anti-Drug Campaign
He emphasised that the eradication of drug addiction is a collective responsibility that rests upon us all. “We pledge resolutely that the administration will not let any youth, family, or dream fall into the dark abyss of addiction. I firmly believe that drug addiction statistics show mere percentages and case files but behind each lies a vivid story, a family’s struggle and agony,,’’ Sinha said.
“Drug-free J&K campaign demands not just sympathy but collective action because it is not an individual plight but a collective crisis, not one family’s tragedy but a challenge to us all. Together, with unwavering resolve, we will fight and defeat the scourge of drug abuse,” he explained.
The LG said that drug abuse is among J&K’s gravest challenges, and we stand firm in our commitment to confront drug abuse and emerge victorious. “Bound by a shared purpose, we will rise against drug abuse and claim the victory that awaits us. The three-month-long people’s movement across J&K will make every person grasp the issue, turning information into responsibility through public participation,” he said.
Sinha vowed decisive and uncompromising action against drug smugglers to free the J&K UT from the grip of the drug menace. “Those who destroy society will face the full and uncompromising weight of the law. Our neighbor (read Pakistan) is using cross-border smuggling to poison our communities and undermine our nation’s future. Every officer carries one obligation: this must stop. The full force of the law is now directed at smugglers. Their networks will be dismantled without delay,” he stressed.
Confiscation of Assets
In a stern warning, the LG stated that all assets of drug smugglers will be seized, ringleaders prosecuted, and punishment will be delivered swiftly. “The administration will confiscate all property, revoke licenses, passports, Aadhaar, and freeze bank accounts of all those involved. This crackdown against drug smugglers will echo through generations,” he said.
“We have issued a new SOP against drug traffickers. Under this, we have taken a crucial decision to revoke passports, driving licenses, Aadhaar numbers, and arms licenses of smugglers involved in drug trafficking. If they are absconding, a Look Out Circular will be issued immediately. Additionally, their movable and immovable properties will be attached under the NDPS Act, bank accounts frozen, and a financial investigation will be launched,’’ he told the gathering.
On April 2, we had notified the Jammu and Kashmir Substance Use Disorder Treatment, Counselling and Rehabilitation Centres Rules, 2026, ensuring every centre is genuine, dedicated to patients affected by addiction, equipped with all required human resources, and under continuous monitoring. Action will be taken against centres operating without support staff or in violation of the rules,” he said.
The LG directed the senior officers to take swift action on complaints and strengthen grassroots intelligence with the help of panchayats, mohalla committees, chowkidars, lambardars, and ward surveillance committees to identify and punish every culprit.
“Our strength in Drug-Free J&K Campaign lies in collective action. When departments unite with shared purpose, we prevail. Since early 2021, we have moved beyond planning to decisive action for Drug-Free J&K. We are successfully implementing initiatives that have reached previously untouched communities, engaged youth in schools, and expanded rehabilitation services. No individual faces this battle alone; the administration stands firmly committed,” he said.
Mass Movement
Sinha called upon youth, social workers, community leaders, teachers, women, and athletes to participate in large numbers, since they are the face, force, and future of this campaign. “The next three months will sow seeds of lasting change. Let anti-drug sports tournaments brim with fervour, debates steel youth resolve, and quizzes embed awareness. Map drug-affected areas accurately; unity marches, Padyatra inspire neighbourhoods; marathons from panchayats to cities declare that J&K will never bow to drugs,” he said.
The LG emphasised that, from village chaupals to district headquarters, every event must pulse with the spirit of mass movement, followed by reviews, because feedback will be our compass to refine, strategise, and act more strongly. “April 11 is not a ceremonial start but the first step of a transformative march. Let us build a movement so broad, so resolute, and so deeply people-driven that it lays the foundation of a drug-free J&K,” he further added.
On the occasion, he administered the “Anti-Drug Pledge” to the citizens and unveiled the official campaign mascot. Awareness Videos, singing, and cultural performances by renowned artists echoed the message of a drug-free Jammu and Kashmir.
Local MP Jugal Sharma of the BJP, several BJP legislators, senior police and administration officials, and thousands of students drawn from government schools participated. The Padyatra was warmly received by business organisations, members of civil society, and various stakeholders along the route.
