Examiner Bureau | Budgam:
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on today joined a large public movement in Budgam as part of the ongoing drug-free Jammu and Kashmir campaign, reaffirming that every arm of the administration will act with resolve and unity to eliminate the menace of drug abuse.
Addressing the gathering, the Lieutenant Governor appealed to families, social organisations, and community, spiritual and political leaders to intensify the campaign across the district. He assured that the administration remains fully committed to eradicating drugs from society.
In a key announcement, Sinha introduced the concept of an informal “Parents Brigade” to be established in villages and urban areas. The initiative aims to create a voluntary network of parents, women and youth who will be trained to identify early signs of drug use and connect affected families with support systems.
Emphasising the gravity of the issue, the Lieutenant Governor said drug addiction is eroding the social fabric and weakening the future workforce. “Every young person lost to addiction is a loss to society, and every family affected weakens our collective strength,” he said.
Calling for a compassionate approach, Sinha urged society to treat those affected by addiction as victims rather than criminals. He stressed the need to remove stigma so that families can seek help without fear or hesitation.
Highlighting the broader implications, the Lieutenant Governor described drug abuse as not only a public health crisis but also a national security concern. He warned that narcotics trafficking is closely linked to terror funding and radicalisation.
“Drug trafficking and terror networks are interconnected. When we fight drugs, we are also fighting terrorism and safeguarding our nation,” he said.
Referring to the 100-day anti-drug campaign launched earlier, Sinha said that the remaining period must be utilised effectively through collective action. He directed law enforcement agencies to intensify operations against drug peddlers and smugglers, including financial tracking and strict legal action.
The Lieutenant Governor also urged citizens to actively participate by reporting suspicious activities and supporting awareness efforts. “With public cooperation, we will ensure that no drug peddler finds space in our society,” he asserted, adding that those involved in the drug trade will face strict accountability.
