Drug-Free J&K Movement Intensifies from Poonch; 1,130 Drug Smugglers Arrested in 57-Day Drive: LG Sinha
Calls for Mass People’s Movement Against Narco-Terrorism; Urges Every Panchayat, Ward and Household to Join Campaign
POONCH, June 7 (KNC): Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday joined the ‘Drug-Free J&K’ campaign and Padyatra in Poonch, reaffirming the administration’s resolve to eradicate drug abuse and dismantle narco-terror networks operating in the Union Territory.
Addressing the gathering, the Lieutenant Governor said the Padyatra has successfully covered all 20 districts of Jammu and Kashmir with a clear objective of freeing the region from the menace of drugs and eliminating narco-terrorism.
“The fight against drug abuse has now gained greater momentum from Poonch. Over the next 43 days, every citizen, panchayat and ward must come together to expose drug smugglers, curb peddling, spread awareness and strengthen rehabilitation efforts. Collective responsibility is the key to building a healthier and safer society,” he said.
Sinha said that during the last 57 days he had visited every district of Jammu and Kashmir and assured people that those responsible for destroying lives through drugs would be brought to justice.
“Today, I once again assure the people that we will continue our efforts with full determination and pave the way for a brighter future,” he added.
The Lieutenant Governor called for launching a massive public movement across Poonch and the entire Union Territory aimed at making every panchayat, locality and household drug-free.
Highlighting the challenges faced by border districts, Sinha said Poonch remains vulnerable to cross-border drug smuggling, which not only ruins the lives of youth but also serves as a source of funding for terrorism.
“Drug trafficking and narco-terrorism are twin threats that must be confronted through a whole-of-society approach. Public participation is essential in defeating this menace,” he said.
Emphasising community involvement, the Lieutenant Governor said the fight against drugs requires people to move beyond indifference and actively participate in combating the problem.
“A ‘not my problem’ attitude only strengthens drug networks. Lasting change is possible only when communities unite and treat this as a shared responsibility,” he remarked.
Sharing achievements of the ongoing anti-drug campaign, Sinha said authorities have registered 1,038 FIRs, arrested more than 1,130 drug smugglers, detained 63 accused under the PIT-NDPS Act and attached over 100 properties linked to drug trafficking.
He further revealed that around 700 driving licences have been cancelled, while action has been initiated for revocation of nearly 130 passports to further cripple drug networks operating in Jammu and Kashmir.
The Lieutenant Governor stressed that the ‘Drug-Free J&K’ campaign should reach every household and become a permanent social movement. He underlined the importance of empowering youth through education, sports and skill development to protect them from addiction.
He said Youth Clubs would be mobilised as frontline defenders against local drug networks, while women would be given leadership roles in awareness and prevention initiatives at the grassroots level.
Sinha also announced that law enforcement agencies have been granted full authority to dismantle the narco-terror ecosystem. Under a newly introduced Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), individuals involved in drug smuggling will face strict legal action, including cancellation of passports, driving licences, arms licences and other official documents, besides attachment of movable and immovable assets under the NDPS Act.
Reiterating the government’s commitment, the Lieutenant Governor said Jammu and Kashmir Police and other enforcement agencies have been directed to ensure that no drug smuggler or peddler operates within their jurisdictions.
“The journey is challenging, but our resolve remains firm. We will continue our efforts until every narco-terror network is destroyed and a drug-free Jammu and Kashmir becomes a reality,” he said. (KNC)
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