Srinagar, July 21: The Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday declared that Jammu and Kashmir’s fight against the drug menace is “far from over”, asserting that the anti-drug campaign would continue with greater determination until the Union Territory is completely free from narcotics and the narco-terror ecosystem is dismantled.
Addressing the valedictory function of the 100-day Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir Abhiyan at SKICC Srinagar, the Lieutenant Governor, said the campaign has evolved into a people’s movement and reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to intensifying action against drug traffickers, suppliers and those supporting the narcotics network.
“Our fight is not over yet. This campaign will continue with greater strength and determination,” LG Sinha said, adding that the menace of drugs poses a serious threat to society and particularly to the younger generation.
Highlighting the background of the campaign, the Lieutenant Governor said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had launched the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan four years ago, while Union Home Minister Amit Shah has consistently reviewed its implementation through regular meetings with states and Union Territories.
He said that after assessing the growing challenge of substance abuse in Jammu and Kashmir, the administration decided to launch the focused 100-day Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir Abhiyan to strengthen awareness, enforcement and rehabilitation simultaneously.
LG Sinha praised the role of Jammu and Kashmir Police and other enforcement agencies for maintaining sustained action against drug traffickers and said the crackdown on narcotics networks would continue without any relaxation.
He noted that during the campaign he personally participated in padyatras across nearly all districts of Jammu and Kashmir, interacting with people from different sections of society.
“I met many families and parents who shared their pain and anxiety over children falling victim to drugs. Their concerns strengthened our resolve to intensify this movement,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor described the campaign as a mass public movement rather than merely a government programme.
“This was not just a gathering of people; it became a powerful people’s movement. I have not witnessed such a widespread campaign against drugs in Jammu and Kashmir in recent years,” he said.
Referring to the campaign’s achievements, LG Sinha highlighted that enforcement agencies had registered over 20,000 NDPS-related cases, detained 292 accused under the PIT-NDPS Act, attached properties worth around ₹188.9 crore linked to the narcotics trade, destroyed large quantities of contraband and identified thousands of drug hotspots.
He also said authorities had recommended suspension or cancellation of hundreds of driving licences and vehicle registrations, initiated passport impoundment in several cases and taken action regarding arms licences of individuals linked to drug activities.
The Lieutenant Governor said the government was systematically dismantling the financial backbone of drug syndicates and their support structures.
“The narco-terror network must be completely destroyed. Those involved in destroying the lives of our youth deserve the strictest punishment under law,” he said.
Issuing a stern warning to drug traffickers, LG Sinha said anyone believing they could escape legal action was mistaken.
“This is a clear warning. If you destroy the lives of others through drugs, the law will not spare you,” he asserted.
He appealed to the public to actively support the anti-drug campaign by providing information about drug peddlers and traffickers to the police.
“I urge every citizen to inform the police about those selling drugs. Public participation is essential if we are to eliminate this social evil completely,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor also stressed the importance of rehabilitation, observing that those trapped in addiction require timely counselling, treatment and social support to return to normal life.
He particularly acknowledged the role of mothers, sisters, families, teachers, religious leaders and civil society organisations in preventing drug abuse and supporting rehabilitation efforts.
“The role of mothers and sisters will be crucial in making Jammu and Kashmir drug-free. Society must unite against this menace,” he said.
Reiterating the administration’s commitment, LG Sinha said the ultimate objective was to build a drug-free Jammu and Kashmir, where every young person could contribute positively to society without falling prey to narcotics. (JKNS)
