Kashmir Impulse Desk

Srinagar, May 19

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday joined the anti-drug campaign in Pulwama and urged people to intensify efforts against drug abuse, saying the fight was aimed at dismantling the narco-terror network and protecting the younger generation from addiction.

Addressing citizens during the programme, LG Sinha said Jammu and Kashmir had witnessed a growing public movement against drugs over the past month, with large participation from youth and parents across districts including Baramulla, Jammu, Samba, Udhampur, Kathua and Srinagar.

“Today that silence has turned into a loud, collective outcry against drugs,” he said, adding that the campaign was directed against a “vast narco-terror network fuelled by fear, greed and destruction”.

The LG said more than 11,000 local events had been organised in Pulwama in recent days. Authorities had also registered cases against 48 drug smugglers and arrested 56 alleged traffickers in the district.

He said drug smuggling in J&K could no longer be viewed as an isolated criminal activity, describing drug traffickers and terrorists as “two sides of the same coin”.

“Drug smugglers profit by destroying the futures of our youth and terror outfits use that money to fuel terrorism and radicalisation in Jammu and Kashmir,” LG Sinha said.

He warned those involved in narcotics trafficking that security and law enforcement agencies would continue action against them.

“Our mission is not just arrests but the complete destruction of the narco-terror empire,” the LG said.

According to official figures shared during the event, around 897 drug smugglers and peddlers have been arrested across Jammu and Kashmir since April 11.

Authorities have recommended cancellation of passports of 18 alleged traffickers, while driving licences of 382 people and registrations of 386 vehicles linked to drug-related activities have also been cancelled, officials said.

The administration has seized 49 immovable properties and demolished 45 others in connection with anti-drug operations.

Officials said nearly 5045 drug stores had been inspected across J&K, leading to suspension of licences of 225 stores and cancellation of licences of 27 others. 

Cases were also registered against six stores.

The administration said more than 3.93 lakh awareness programmes had been organised across J&K since April 11, with millions of people participating in outreach activities.

To strengthen monitoring and rehabilitation efforts, authorities have formed 6646 village women’s committees and 2997 youth clubs across J&K, officials said.

More than 100 calls are being received daily on anti-drug helplines, while over 52,000 patients have received treatment at addiction treatment facilities so far, according to the administration.

“As this 100-day campaign advances, we must fuel its momentum. Stay vigilant. Stay united,” LG Sinha said.