SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday launched a documentary and collage exhibition on the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan at the University of Jammu, calling for greater participation of young people in efforts to curb drug abuse and rehabilitate those affected by addiction.
Sinha said drug abuse had emerged as a serious challenge to Jammu and Kashmir’s social fabric, affecting families and posing a threat to the future of its younger generation. He also highlighted the link between drug smuggling and narco-terrorism, stressing the need to dismantle drug supply networks.
He said the administration’s approach to tackling the problem rests on three key areas – breaking supply chains, creating awareness and rehabilitating victims.
The LG recalled the launch of the Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir campaign in 2020 and said the momentum was strengthened with a 100-day campaign launched in April this year. The campaign, he said, expanded from formal programmes to villages, schools, universities and families through padyatras, awareness drives and administrative action.
“From villages to universities, women, youth clubs, teachers and civil society have joined hands to make Jammu Kashmir drug-free,” Sinha said.
He also referred to the Rehabilitation and Socio-Economic Reintegration Scheme for Drug Abuse Victims, 2026, aimed at helping affected youth return to mainstream society and lead healthy and responsible lives.
Sinha said the University of Jammu had an important role to play in the campaign and appreciated students for studying different aspects of drug de-addiction through the documentary and collage exhibition.
“When knowledge connects with human sensitivity, it transforms into social responsibility,” he said.
Calling on students to act as messengers and guardians of the Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir Abhiyan, the LG urged them to engage with their peers, challenge misconceptions about addiction and support those struggling with substance abuse.
“Education, awareness and compassion are our strongest weapons. Let us pledge to protect our youth, empower society, and build a healthier future,” he said.
Sinha said making the University of Jammu and other educational institutions drug-free was a major objective and asked students to work with the administration, health institutions, civil society groups and youth organisations.
He also directed that the documentary be screened in every department of the University of Jammu and at other educational institutions across the Jammu division to broaden awareness about drug abuse and de-addiction.
Vice-Chancellor Prof Umesh Rai, Dean Academic Affairs Prof J P Singh Joorel, Dean Research Studies Prof Neelu Rohmetra, Dean Planning and Development Prof Sangita Gupta, Registrar Dr Neeraj Sharma, heads of departments, faculty members and students attended the launch.
