Kashmir Impulse Desk

Jammu, April 9

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday described the growing influx of narcotics into Jammu and Kashmir as part of a broader international conspiracy aimed at undermining the region’s youth, as authorities prepare to launch an intensive anti-drug campaign.

Chairing a high-level review meeting ahead of a 100-day initiative under the Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir Abhiyaan, LG Sinha called for a coordinated, society-wide response to what he characterized as a serious and evolving threat.

“The influx of drugs to J&K is part of a larger international conspiracy to jeopardise the future of the youth,” he said, urging participation from all sections of society in combating the problem.

The campaign, set to begin later this month, will focus on dismantling trafficking networks while expanding prevention, awareness, and rehabilitation efforts. 

Officials have been instructed to intensify enforcement operations, with LG Sinha reiterating a policy approach: “Don’t touch the innocent and don’t spare the culprit.”

He emphasized the need to identify individuals affected by substance abuse as victims requiring support, calling for stronger rehabilitation measures alongside enforcement.

The initiative will include outreach efforts targeting students and youth groups, including volunteers from the National Cadet Corps, National Service Scheme, and civil society organizations. 

Authorities aim to transform the campaign into what LG Sinha described as a “Jan Andolan,” or people’s movement, incorporating public feedback and encouraging citizens to report drug-related activity.

The programme will be marked by a series of awareness drives, beginning with a large-scale “padyatra” to be flagged off at M A Stadium on April 11, followed by a similar launch in Srinagar in early May.

Officials said departmental action plans and coordination committees have already been put in place at both regional and divisional levels to oversee implementation.

Senior administrative and police officials, including Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, attended the meeting, underscoring the administration’s focus on addressing what it views as a growing public health and security concern.