Kashmir Impulse Desk

Srinagar, May 5 

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said on Tuesday that drug abuse was “destroying the soul of youth” and warned that narcotics trafficking was linked to broader security threats, including terrorism.

Speaking at an anti-drug campaign event in Budgam district, LG Sinha called for a unified societal response to tackle addiction, urging families, community groups and local leaders to intensify efforts under the government’s drug-free campaign.

“Every young person lost to addiction is a loss of strength for our future workforce,” he said, adding that addiction weakened both society and national security.

The LG said the administration would act with “resolve and unity” to eliminate the drug menace, announcing plans to create informal “parents brigades” in villages and urban areas. The initiative aims to build voluntary networks to identify early signs of drug use and connect affected families with support systems.

He stressed that individuals struggling with addiction should be treated as victims rather than criminals and called for an end to social stigma surrounding substance abuse. 

“Silence will not defeat this; the public must raise its voice,” LG Sinha said.

He described drug abuse as not only a public health issue but also a national security concern, alleging that narcotics smuggling into the region was being used to fund terrorism and radicalisation.

“Drug trafficking and terror funding are no longer separate issues,” the LG said.

He said the administration had directed police stations across Kashmir to compile information on drug traffickers and take action within 30 days. 

Authorities are also monitoring financial transactions linked to suspected drug networks, LG Sinha.

He warned of stringent measures against major traffickers, including the demolition of properties built using proceeds from the drug trade.

The campaign, launched on April 11, is part of a 100-day initiative aimed at curbing drug abuse across the region. 

The LG urged residents to actively participate by reporting suspicious activities to authorities, saying community cooperation was essential to dismantle drug networks.