Examiner Bureau | Jammu:
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday launched a documentary and collage exhibition on the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan at the University of Jammu, calling for greater participation of young people in efforts to combat drug abuse and support the rehabilitation of those affected by addiction.
Sinha said drug abuse had emerged as a serious challenge to Jammu and Kashmir’s social fabric, affecting families and posing a threat to the future of its younger generation. He also underlined the connection between drug trafficking and narco-terrorism, stressing the need to dismantle networks involved in the illegal supply of narcotics.
He said the administration’s strategy to address the problem rests on three key areas—breaking drug supply chains, creating awareness and rehabilitating victims.
Recalling the launch of the Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir campaign in 2020, the LG said the campaign received further momentum with a 100-day drive launched in April this year. The initiative, he said, has expanded beyond formal programmes to villages, schools, universities and families through padyatras, awareness campaigns and administrative action.
“From villages to universities, women, youth clubs, teachers and civil society have joined hands to make Jammu Kashmir drug-free,” Sinha said.
He also referred to the Rehabilitation and Socio-Economic Reintegration Scheme for Drug Abuse Victims, 2026, aimed at helping people affected by substance abuse return to mainstream society and lead healthy and responsible lives.
The LG said the University of Jammu has an important role to play in the campaign and appreciated students for examining different aspects of drug de-addiction through the documentary and collage exhibition.
“When knowledge connects with human sensitivity, it transforms into social responsibility,” he said.
Calling upon students to become messengers and guardians of the Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir Abhiyan, Sinha urged them to engage with their peers, challenge misconceptions surrounding addiction and extend support to people struggling with substance abuse.
“Education, awareness and compassion are our strongest weapons. Let us pledge to protect our youth, empower society, and build a healthier future,” he said.
Sinha said making the University of Jammu and other educational institutions drug-free was a major objective of the campaign. He called upon students to work in coordination with the administration, health institutions, civil society organisations and youth groups to strengthen efforts against substance abuse.
The LG also directed that the documentary be screened in every department of the University of Jammu and at other educational institutions across the Jammu division to widen awareness about drug abuse, prevention and de-addiction.
Vice-Chancellor Prof Umesh Rai, Dean Academic Affairs Prof J.P. Singh Joorel, Dean Research Studies Prof Neelu Rohmetra, Dean Planning and Development Prof Sangita Gupta, Registrar Dr Neeraj Sharma, heads of departments, faculty members and students attended the launch.
