SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday led the ‘Drug-Free JK’ campaign and Padyatra in Poonch, reaffirming the administration’s resolve to eliminate drug abuse and dismantle the narco-terror network across Jammu and Kashmir.
Addressing the gathering, the Lieutenant Governor said the Padyatra has now covered all 20 districts of the Union Territory, with the core objective of freeing Jammu and Kashmir from the menace of drugs and countering narco-terrorism.
He said the renewed phase of the campaign, launched from Poonch, would intensify over the next 43 days, calling for collective participation from citizens, Panchayats and wards to target drug smugglers and peddlers, expand awareness, and strengthen rehabilitation efforts. He stressed that sustained community participation was essential for building a healthier society.
Over the past 57 days, he said, visits had been undertaken to all districts of Jammu and Kashmir, during which a commitment was made that those involved in harming society would be dealt with firmly. He added that the government was committed to securing a safer and brighter future for the region.
The Lieutenant Governor noted that Poonch, being a border district, remained vulnerable to cross-border drug trafficking, which he said not only destroys young lives but also fuels terrorism. He called for a whole-of-society approach to confront the challenge.
He further stated that tackling the drug problem required a shift from indifference to active involvement, warning that silence only benefits drug networks. He said meaningful change could only be achieved when communities stand united against the menace.
Highlighting enforcement action taken during the campaign, he said 1,130 drug smugglers had been arrested in 1,038 FIRs, 63 individuals detained under the PIT-NDPS Act, and more than 100 properties attached. In addition, around 700 driving licences have been cancelled and steps initiated to revoke 130 passports as part of efforts to disrupt drug-related networks.
The Lieutenant Governor also emphasised the importance of prevention through youth engagement, stating that education, skills and sports were key tools to channel young people towards constructive paths. He said Youth Clubs would act as the frontline against drug abuse, while women would play a central role in leading awareness and eradication efforts at the village level.
He announced that law enforcement agencies have been given full operational freedom to eliminate the narco-terror ecosystem, with stricter standard operating procedures in place. These include attachment of assets and cancellation of identification and travel documents of those involved in drug trafficking under relevant legal provisions.
Reiterating the government’s commitment, he said the campaign would continue until every drug network is dismantled, urging police and enforcement agencies to ensure zero tolerance towards drug peddling in their jurisdictions. He expressed confidence that sustained collective effort would ultimately lead to a drug-free Jammu and Kashmir.
