SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday joined a large people’s movement in Budgam as part of the ongoing Drug-Free Jammu and Kashmir campaign, asserting that every arm of the administration would act with “resolve and unity” to confront the drug menace and ensure its elimination.
Addressing a public padyatra, the Lieutenant Governor appealed to families, social organisations, and spiritual and political leaders across Budgam to intensify the campaign, assuring that the administration, in its full strength, is committed to eradicating drugs from society.
In a key announcement, Sinha unveiled an informal “Parents Brigade” to be constituted in villages and urban areas wherever possible. He said the initiative aims to build a voluntary network of parents, women and youth who will be trained to identify early signs of drug use and immediately connect affected families with support systems.
Calling for a united societal response, he said the entire district must stand against the “poison of drugs” destroying the youth. “Every young person lost to addiction is a loss of strength for our future workforce, and a lost soldier for our police and army. Every family broken by addiction is a crack in the foundation of our society,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor observed that society must acknowledge the reality that many boys and girls are in the grip of narcotics. “There is no harm in accepting this, as they are our own children. They are victims, not criminals, and they need our embrace, compassion and care,” he said.
He further stressed the need to eliminate stigma around addiction. “If a family is suffering, they should not have to endure the pain in silence. This tradition must change because today’s circumstances are such that silence will not defeat this; the public must raise its voice,” he said.
Highlighting the broader implications, Sinha said drug addiction is not merely a health concern but also a crisis of national security. He stated that narcotics entering society not only erode the aspirations and self-confidence of youth but also fund terrorism and radicalisation. “Drug trafficking and terror funding are no longer separate issues—they are two hands of the same enemy. When we fight against drugs, we are also fighting against terror. When we protect our youth, we protect our nation,” he said, adding that cross-border elements are involved in pushing drugs into Jammu and Kashmir.
Recalling the launch of the campaign, the Lieutenant Governor said the Drug-Free Jammu and Kashmir initiative was started on April 11 in Jammu with the belief that no adversary can withstand a united society. “The law enforcement agencies alone cannot win this war; the administration alone cannot win it. But together—teachers, parents, spiritual leaders, elders, doctors, youth and women—we become an invincible force. I have full faith that Budgam will carry this campaign forward with this spirit,” he said.
He noted that the 100-day campaign has entered a crucial phase, with 76 days remaining, and urged citizens to demonstrate collective resolve against the social evil.
Detailing enforcement measures, Sinha said all police stations in the Kashmir Valley have been directed to compile comprehensive data on active drug smugglers and peddlers and take decisive action within 30 days. He added that financial transactions linked to drug cartels are under strict monitoring and action will extend beyond street-level operators to major networks. “The palaces built with drug money will be razed to the ground,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor also called upon citizens to actively support the campaign and act as the “eyes and ears” of the administration. “If you see any suspicious activity in any corner of Budgam, report it immediately. With your cooperation, it will be ensured that no drug peddler can remain around any village, neighbourhood, or college,” he said.
Issuing a direct warning, Sinha said, “I want to tell the drug smugglers, elements linked to the narco-terror network, and drug peddlers active in Budgam that your time on this soil has ended. Our agencies know who you are. Our administration is coming after you, and not a single drug smuggler will escape accountability.”
The padyatra witnessed participation from residents, youth groups and officials, reflecting a growing public mobilisation in support of the anti-drug campaign across the district.
