SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday led the “Drug-Free JK Padyatra” in Kulgam and addressed a public gathering, calling for sustained collective action to eradicate drug abuse across Jammu and Kashmir.
Addressing the gathering, the Lieutenant Governor said the ongoing campaign had evolved into a people’s movement, uniting communities across the Union Territory with the shared objective of making villages and towns drug-free. He said parents, teachers, religious leaders and youth volunteers were working alongside the administration in the campaign.
He stated that the fight against drugs required sustained effort, vigilance and unity, adding that society must remain committed to protecting young people and strengthening families and communities.
Sinha observed that the movement, launched 51 days ago, had gained momentum with widespread public participation and had now become a “powerful force of hope, courage and resolve”.
He further said the campaign was directly targeting the financial networks of narco-terrorism, claiming that drug money fuels extremist activities. He added that disrupting the drug trade helps weaken terror networks operating in the region.
The Lieutenant Governor described the initiative as both a public health measure and a national security effort, stating that curbing drug smuggling would help counter forces attempting to destabilise the country and mislead youth.
Highlighting enforcement action, he said that 923 FIRs had been registered against drug traffickers in the last 51 days, while more than 1,000 smugglers and peddlers had been arrested. He added that over 55 individuals had been detained under the PIT-NDPS Act, 668 driving licences cancelled, and proposals made to revoke 124 passports.
Sinha said the administration was working on a “whole-of-government approach” to dismantle drug networks, break supply chains, strengthen awareness campaigns and ensure rehabilitation of those affected by addiction.
He reiterated that efforts were underway to ensure that young people affected by substance abuse are brought back into the mainstream and contribute positively to society.
