SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday led an intensified anti-drug campaign in Rajouri, joining a padyatra and addressing a public gathering as part of a time-bound offensive against narcotics across Jammu and Kashmir.
Participating in the “Drug-Free JK” campaign, the Lieutenant Governor said border district Rajouri remains vulnerable to cross-border drug smuggling but asserted that authorities are determined to dismantle drug networks and eliminate addiction from society.
He said that since April 11, JK Police have launched a sustained crackdown across the Jammu division, during which over 45 FIRs were registered, 63 smugglers arrested and large quantities of contraband seized between April 11 and 15. He added that inspections are now being conducted regularly in schools, pharmacies and drug outlets, and the drive will continue without pause.
Addressing the gathering, Sinha said the fight against drugs is not limited to borders, noting that many families in Jammu and Kashmir have long battled addiction, often suffering irreparable losses. Referring to the launch of a 100-day anti-drug campaign from Jammu’s MA Stadium on April 11, he described drug abuse as a serious social threat and alleged that cross-border elements use narcotics trafficking to fuel terrorism and weaken society.
The Lieutenant Governor said the number of cases registered after April 11 has seen a threefold increase in the past week, underscoring intensified enforcement. He stressed that the objective is to dismantle drug networks within 100 days through coordinated action by the administration and society.
Highlighting prevention as the cornerstone of the campaign, he called for greater awareness among youth and urged institutions to promote education and resilience against substance abuse. He also directed law enforcement agencies to ensure strict and exemplary punishment for drug traffickers and said a standard operating procedure has been put in place to target networks and ensure swift justice.
Sinha emphasised a comprehensive approach to rehabilitation, covering detection, counselling, detoxification, treatment and aftercare. He instructed officials to monitor weekly progress, including data on rehabilitated individuals and arrested smugglers, and to shut down any unauthorised de-addiction centres.
He appealed to civil society groups and NGOs to support the campaign, stating that collective efforts are essential to restore dignity and reintegrate affected individuals into society.
On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor administered an anti-drug pledge and launched the Rajouri Premier League and Rajouri Football Club under the Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir Abhiyaan. Cultural performances were also held to raise awareness about the harmful effects of substance abuse.
