Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has stressed that drug abuse is not just any average law and order problem but a very serious societal threat that requires a united and collective response. Addressing a rally in Ramban on Wednesday, he said: “Drug abuse isn’t just a law & order issue but a social cancer requiring every part of society to fight. I urge `Whole of Government’ and `Whole of Society’ approach. I believe when the government’s strength and society’s resolve act as one, then even the toughest challenges crumble.”
Ramban is the third district in the Union Territory (UT). Sinha has visited and led a rally against the drug menace, starting in Jammu and visiting Kathua later. The LG said that for long Pakistan has orchestrated drug smuggling into J&K as a way to fund terrorism and destroy our young generation.
“We will map every (drug) hotspot. And I promise you: we will hit each one like a surgical strike. Not a single smuggler will be spared. The entire network will be dismantled,” he said. His message against the drug menace at the Ramban public meeting was crisp and clear.
Intensifying the crusade against the drug menace, Sinha led a padyatra from District Police Lines to District Administrative Complex, Ramban. He was joined by public representatives, senior officials of civil and police administration, civil society members, religious leaders, members of the business and trade community, ex-servicemen, prominent citizens, various stakeholders, women, students, and youth. People from different walks of life joined him in large numbers and resolved to eradicate drug addiction at its roots, transform society, and secure our youth’s future.
Highlighting the society’s vital role in the fight against the drug menace, Sinha said: “If the neighbour’s house is on fire, yours is not safe. Because drugs don’t spread like flames, but they spread like wind. That’s why a ‘Whole of Society’ response is our only real and potent weapon against the drug menace. I firmly believe that when society stands united behind a cause, the law becomes a thousand times stronger. We must build a society where the dealer fears law, and the one who breaks free from drugs feels proud of themselves, their family, their society, and their government.”He said the history proves that organised societies drive change, and women’s power plays a crucial role. “This fight belongs to mothers and sisters, elders, youth, teachers, panchayats, athletes, and elected representatives alike. It is not the job of just one department. Defeating addiction is our collective responsibility,” he said.
Asking women to form vigilance committees in all panchayats and wards to keep a sharp watch against drug peddlers, he said: “Women are the frontline of this war. You know where the household money goes. If anyone in the family is showing symptom of addiction, don’t hide it. Don’t call him a criminal. Call him a patient. But that patient needs society’s help, not just four walls.”
Calling on youth to steer clear of drugs, he said: “Channel your energy into sports fields, art, and in study. In schools and colleges, we will make drugs a symbol of cowardice, not cool. Treatment, identification, and rehabilitation will be our priority.”
The LG emphasised that each drug de-addiction centre must be genuine and equipped with all necessary resources. “Strict monitoring of these centres is essential. If any centre is found operating illegally or causing harm to society and the youth, it must be shut down within 24 hours without any hesitation, irrespective of how influential the individual running it. No one should be spared. Action is already underway against all such centres,” he said.
Sinha directed police officials to break drug supply chains, list all Ramban drug traffickers at police stations and dismantle drug networks. He said: “The time for silence for society is over. Our divisional and district administration have prepared a comprehensive multi-pronged strategy covering every ward and panchayat. This fight is ours, all of us. If we fail today, future generations won’t forgive us.”
“Let us make a pledge today that no drug dealer will find shelter in our village or our street. Every addict will be guided toward healing. Every young person’s energy will be channelled toward purpose,” Sinha said.
