Srinagar: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on May 3, Sunday launched a major campaign in Srinagar aimed at addressing drug abuse and narco-terrorism in the Union Territory (UT) of Jammu and Kashmir, reiterating the administration’s commitment to eliminating the drug menace from the region. He pledged tough action against drug peddlers throughout the UT and beyond. LG Sinha also resolved to make J&K drug-free and save youth from destruction.
The initiative, undertaken by LG Sinha’s office, is intended to strengthen efforts to curb narcotics trafficking, dismantle drug networks and counter the emerging threat of narco-terrorism. He highlighted major achievements scored so far in the ongoing 100-day Nasha Mukt Abhiyan across J&K. LG Sinha minced no words while reiterating tough action and zero tolerance strategy against drug peddlers. He said the supply chain needs to be broken in coordination with all sections of the society. He also announced to simultaneously launch facilities for rehabilitation of drug addicts in government hospitals.
Officials stated that the campaign will involve coordinated action by law enforcement agencies, enhanced surveillance and public awareness programmes to identify and take action against drug peddlers and their networks. Local communities, schools, colleges, government departments are being goaded to join hands in this campaign to weed out the menace from the society altogether in the days ahead.
The authorities are working as per Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to eradicate drug menace, LG Sinha said. Elaborating, he said that those dealing with drugs will face attachments of properties, impounding of vehicles, demolition of buildings and freezing of bank accounts, besides some other actions.
The LG emphasised the need for assuming collective responsibility in combating drug abuse, urging youth, civil society members and community leaders to actively participate in the drive. He further reaffirmed that the administration will maintain a zero-tolerance policy towards those involved in drug trafficking and related activities.
“Some drug peddlers have been building narco palaces. Subsequently, this money is used for terrorism. We are committed to dismantle such narco palaces. Properties raised by selling drugs will face action. We are investigating such properties”, the LG said. It may be recalled that identified properties are being demolished almost on daily basis in different districts of the UT.
The LG said that action will be taken against de-addiction and rehabilitation centres which are not working properly. “Such centers can even face closure. In the meantime I have directed the launching of de-addiction and rehabilitation of drug addicts in OPDs and IPDs of government hospitals”, he said.
As part of the broader “Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir Abhiyan”, a 100-day anti-drug drive featuring padyatras and rallies is underway, with a major mega padyatra currently in progress in Srinagar. At all district headquarters, LG Sinha has so far led these rallies personally walking the talk as they say. Going beyond words, walking for several kilometres, interacting with common people and urging the youth to abstain from this deadly addiction to drugs.
“In the war against drugs, unity will be our shield, resolve our weapon. Let us commit to shaping a Jammu Kashmir where young people carve free destinies, families remain whole, communities thrive strong, and aspirations blaze anew. We stand unwavering for our youth, for our future”, LG Sinha had said earlier in another anti-drug rally.
He said the battle against drug menace demands unity beyond all divisions. As citizens, we should pledge to stand together, bound by our common duty to protect our youth, strengthen families, and secure prosperity”, he said. Thousands of enthusiastic locals have joined Mr Sinha as he leads the rallies and urges citizens to recognize Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir Abhiyan as a shared war, a coomon goal against narcotics to win this battle decisively.
“Jammu Kashmir is now rising with renewed strength to reject the drug menace that corrodes our society. We vow to shield our youth from its grip. I assure the people that the spirit of our land will not be stifled. This is the hour for society to awaken, to fight and to prevail”, he said.
Recognisiing and acknowledging that no single authority can wage this battle against drug abuse alone, LG Sinha it must ignite within every heart. “Let every village, hamlet, and city across the UT become fortresses of resistance; let every household stand as a vigilant bastion. I call upon each resident to enlist as a warrior in this cause,” Mr Sinha said
Every section of society must embrace the spirit of Nasha-Mukt Jammu Kashmir Abhiyan so that this campaign is remembered as one which freed the UT from the clutches of this deadly scourge which hollows up the society from within like white ants. “Every family must rise, ensuring that chronicles remember our united stand, united fight, united triumph and a legacy of a narcotics-free tomorrow dedicated to nation-building,’’ he said.
In the days ahead, let us reshape society’s perception and treat those trapped in addiction as sufferers who deserve compassion and not condemnation. Rehabilitation must restore their dignity and reintegrate them into the community, he said. “Let collective energy drive the Drug-Free Jammu Kashmir campaign. Transform awareness into accountability, ensuring public participation deepens and highlight the vital role of women and youth in leading this fight”, LG Sinha said.
This war against drug menace will unfold in phases, each demanding courage and devotion, he said. The awareness campaigns must enlighten families about drug addiction symptoms as also dangers of narcotics and they should be reminded that the threat is not distant, but among us already, LG Sinha cautioned.
On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor flagged off an Anti-drug awareness Bike rallies, shikara rallies and sports events are constantly being organised under the campaign. At some rallies, LG Sinha had handed over sanction letters to individuals who have recovered from substance abuse and felicitated the winner of Nasha Mukt Ideas Championship.
