Examiner Bureau | Kulgam:
Kulgam, June 1: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday led the ‘Drug-Free J&K Padyatra’ in Kulgam and addressed a public gathering, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to eradicating drug abuse and dismantling narco-terror networks across Jammu and Kashmir.
Describing the campaign as a people’s movement, the Lieutenant Governor said it has united citizens across the Union Territory with a common goal of making every village and town drug-free.
“This campaign belongs to the people. Parents, teachers, religious leaders and young volunteers have stood shoulder to shoulder with the administration. The road ahead is long, and the fight against drugs requires sustained effort, constant vigilance and collective resolve,” he said.
Highlighting the public response to the initiative, Sinha noted that the campaign, launched 51 days ago, has evolved into a powerful movement driven by widespread participation and public support.
“The spark of change ignited 51 days ago has now become a flame of hope, courage and determination across Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor stressed that the anti-drug campaign is also a crucial component of the fight against terrorism, asserting that drug trafficking serves as a major source of funding for extremist activities.
“This campaign is striking directly at the financial backbone of terrorism. Every rupee spent on drugs fuels extremist violence, and narco-terrorists survive on this blood money. By disrupting the drug trade, we are cutting off a vital lifeline of terror networks,” he said.
Calling the issue a matter of national security as well as public health, Sinha urged citizens to recognize the broader implications of drug abuse and trafficking.
“For years, Jammu and Kashmir faced attacks on its social fabric by narco-terrorists. The launch of the Nasha-Mukt Bharat Abhiyan in 2020 under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the guidance of Union Home Minister Amit Shah marked a turning point in this fight,” he said.
Reiterating his commitment to a fear-free and drug-free Jammu and Kashmir, the Lieutenant Governor said the administration has intensified its crackdown on drug traffickers and their networks through a whole-of-government approach.
“I stand before you not only as your Lieutenant Governor but as a member of your family who shares your pain and aspirations. The chains that once trapped our youth in the dark web of drugs are breaking apart, link by link, day by day,” he said.
Over the past 51 days, authorities have conducted extensive operations targeting drug traffickers, smugglers and narco-terror networks. Raids have been carried out across villages and towns, supply chains disrupted and key operatives identified.
Sharing the campaign’s achievements, the Lieutenant Governor said that 923 FIRs have been registered against drug traffickers during the period. More than 1,000 smugglers and peddlers have been arrested, while over 55 traffickers have been detained under the PIT-NDPS Act. Additionally, 668 driving licences have been cancelled and recommendations have been made for the revocation of 124 passports.
Sinha emphasized that the administration’s strategy extends beyond enforcement measures and includes public awareness initiatives, community participation and rehabilitation efforts for individuals battling addiction.
“Our objective is not only to eliminate the drug menace but also to ensure that affected youth are rehabilitated with dignity, reintegrated into society and empowered to contribute to the development of Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor concluded by calling upon all sections of society to remain united in the mission of building a safer, healthier and drug-free Jammu and Kashmir.
