Reported By: Irfan Khan
Examiner Bureau | Anantnag:
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday joined a large anti-drug padyatra in Anantnag as part of the ongoing “Drug-Free J&K Campaign,” calling upon people from all sections of society to break their silence and unite against the growing menace of drug addiction and narco-terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir.
Addressing a public gathering, the Lieutenant Governor stressed that the challenge of drug abuse could only be defeated through a “whole of society approach,” with active participation from families, educational institutions, religious leaders, youth groups and local communities.
“Every corner of Jammu and Kashmir — schools, colleges, villages, sports grounds and neighborhoods — must raise its voice with determination against drug addiction,” Sinha said.
Highlighting the alleged cross-border nexus behind narcotics trafficking, the Lieutenant Governor said drug smuggling into Jammu and Kashmir was part of a larger conspiracy aimed at destabilising the region.
“Our neighbouring country is deliberately pushing drugs into Jammu and Kashmir. The money generated through this trade is being used for terrorism and radicalisation. While drugs are destroying the future of our youth, terror groups are using these funds to buy weapons and spread violence,” he said.
He described drug addiction and terrorism as interconnected threats, stating that both must be tackled together.
“Drug addiction and terrorism are not separate challenges; they are two faces of the same problem. We will not rest until this entire narco-terror network is dismantled,” the Lieutenant Governor asserted.
Sinha directed the police and civil administration to intensify the anti-drug campaign across every panchayat in Anantnag over the next 71 days, with a special focus on vulnerable areas.
Sharing details of the administration’s crackdown, the Lieutenant Governor said that since the launch of the campaign on April 11, authorities in Anantnag district had registered 108 NDPS cases, seized 22 vehicles, cancelled eight driving licences and vehicle registrations, and sealed 13 medical stores for violations related to narcotics laws.
He further stated that properties worth ₹3.5 crore, allegedly built using proceeds from drug trafficking, had been demolished as part of the ongoing operation against drug networks.
“I assure the people of Anantnag that not a single drug smuggler will be spared and the entire machinery supporting narcotics trafficking will be uprooted,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor also underlined the critical role of women and youth in the anti-drug movement, urging them to identify vulnerable individuals in their communities and help guide them towards rehabilitation and recovery.
Appealing to teachers, sportspersons and religious leaders, Sinha asked them to dedicate the next 71 days to awareness and rehabilitation initiatives aimed at building a drug-free Jammu and Kashmir.
“Religious leaders are guides for society. They must counsel the youth and warn them about the dangers of drugs. This is not only the administration’s battle; it is a collective fight of society,” he said.
Reiterating his government’s commitment to justice for victims of terrorism, the Lieutenant Governor said the administration would continue to act firmly against all elements linked to narco-terror activities.
On the occasion, Sinha laid the foundation stone for several sports infrastructure projects worth ₹20.60 crore in Anantnag district. The projects include the development of Khel Gaon Modern Sports Infrastructure and a residential Khel Bhawan at Jablipora, expansion of sports facilities at Chaki-Kamal Monghal, reconstruction of the sports complex at Nillandrusu, and development of a stadium at Harmohalla Ranbirpora.
He said the sports infrastructure projects would provide constructive opportunities for youth and help channel their energy towards discipline, fitness and positive engagement.
The Lieutenant Governor also felicitated youth icons and distributed sports kits during the event.
As part of the awareness drive, artists performed traditional street theatre, Baand Pather and mime acts focused on the “Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir Abhiyaan,” spreading awareness about the harmful effects of drug abuse and encouraging young people to contribute towards building a healthy and drug-free society.
