Kashmir Impulse Desk 

Jammu, April 24 

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday said people across Jammu and Kashmir were committed to making the region free from narcotics, calling for a broad-based public movement to combat drug abuse.

Speaking at the launch of the ‘Drug-Free J&K Campaign’ in Reasi, LG Sinha urged communities, institutions and individuals to unite against what he described as a growing crisis undermining society.

He said the campaign, which began on April 11, had already gathered momentum, with widespread participation across the region over the past 12 days.

Highlighting enforcement actions in the Jammu division between April 11 and April 22, the LG said authorities had registered multiple cases, arrested several drug smugglers and seized narcotics worth nearly Rs 3 crore. 

Properties worth about 10 million rupees had also been attached.

LG Sinha said that properties linked to drug traffickers had been demolished, while 187 driving licences and four vehicle registrations were cancelled. 

Financial investigations had been launched against 48 suspected drug peddlers, and inspections of pharmacies led to the cancellation of 15 licences.

Drug users had been referred to de-addiction and rehabilitation centres and provided counselling, he said.

The LG said 1947 women’s committees had been formed across districts in the Jammu division since the campaign began, describing women as key to driving social change against drug abuse.

“We must build a historic movement that begins in homes, schools and communities,” he said, adding that collective action was essential to eradicate the problem.

LG Sinha warned that drug traffickers would face strict legal action, noting that more than two dozen suspects had already been identified and thousands remained under surveillance.

Security checks had been intensified around schools, colleges and other vulnerable areas, he said, adding that authorities would pursue traffickers relentlessly.

The LG also said drug trafficking networks often intersect with militant activities and should be treated accordingly by law enforcement agencies.

“For years, the issue of drug abuse remained shrouded in silence. This movement aims to break that silence and mobilise society against the menace,” he said.

LG Sinha called on non-governmental organisations, social workers, educators and spiritual leaders to actively participate in the campaign across urban and rural areas.