SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday launched the Drug-Free Jammu and Kashmir Campaign in Doda, calling for united public action against drug abuse and narcotics trafficking.
Addressing the gathering, the Lieutenant Governor said the fight against drugs reflects collective determination and unity, adding that the menace can be eradicated only through active community participation.
He described narcotics smuggling as a form of “silent terrorism”, stating that it destroys youth, weakens families and threatens social stability. He said drug traffickers would be dealt with strictly under law, equating their actions to a serious threat against society.
Sinha said every drug peddler and member of trafficking networks would be identified and brought to justice, asserting that the administration would continue efforts until such networks are completely dismantled.
Highlighting the scale of the ongoing campaign, the Lieutenant Governor said the initiative is a 100-day drive, with 80 days still remaining, and stressed that each day is crucial in achieving its objectives. He called for sustained public participation, describing it as a mass movement requiring involvement from all sections of society.
He said the campaign cannot succeed through government efforts alone and urged citizens to actively participate, noting that indifference allows drug networks to thrive. He emphasised that a drug-free society depends on responsible collective action rather than economic progress alone.
Sinha also said that in the last 20 days, around 350 FIRs had been registered and 440 drug traffickers arrested with public cooperation. He called upon schools, colleges, civil society groups and the media to support the campaign.
He added that vigilance at the community level is essential to prevent the spread of addiction, stating that an alert society can effectively resist the drug menace.
