Srinagar, May 3: “In the war against drug abuse and narco-terrorism, every step matters. Every effort counts. Every contribution brings victory closer. Together, let us envision a Jammu Kashmir where no child is lost to drugs, no family is broken by addiction, no community suffers under traffickers, and every citizen thrives in health and strength," the Lieutenant Governor, Shri Manoj Sinha said today in Srinagar.
“This is the vision we pursue, the dream we must fulfil, and the legacy we owe future generations. It is about Jammu Kashmir's destiny, the society we aspire to build, the values we uphold, and the lives we safeguard. Today, let us pledge that we will not rest until Jammu Kashmir is completely drug-free,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
He was addressing the launch of a major campaign against drug abuse and narco-terrorism at TRC Football Ground in Srinagar.
The Lt also led a two-KMs Padyatra, urging people from all walks of life to commit themselves wholeheartedly to the fight against substance abuse.
He said that battle against substance abuse is being fought in our homes and the pledge we made today is not just a personal vow.
“It is cry of every mother who has seen her child consumed by addiction, and solemn commitment of every father who has watched dreams collapse under weight of drug abuse. It is also promise of every teacher who has witnessed talent and potential fade into silence. Determination to uproot drugs is not only a declaration from administration but it is collective resolve of people, who, after enduring decades of suffering, have risen to say: enough is enough,” he said.
Sinha said active participation of the people is unshakable force capable of defeating the enemies’ assault through narco-terrorism. “Drug traffickers and their networks have targeted our youth. We have taken a solemn oath that we will never allow them to succeed”.
The Lieutenant Governor emphasised that the intervention from the society is most significant. “We must involve elders, spiritual leaders and teachers to guide youth on the right path. Their vigilance can save lives and serve as powerful weapons against addiction”.
“I also want to tell our youth that drugs are not “cool” but they are chains that steal your freedom. Your energy belongs to sports fields, skill platforms, and the building of a brighter future,” the he said.
Sinha said our neighbouring country, known as the world’s foremost incubator of terrorism is pushing drugs to harm our youth and sponsor terrorism. He said drug money fuels terrorism and radicalization. He also said that this mission advances on three fronts- dismantling supply chains, spreading awareness at the grassroots, and rehabilitating addicts with dignity and care.
“It is a grave threat to internal security. Both terrorists and drug traffickers seek to fracture unity, corrode integrity, and destroy peace, while draining the strength of our youth to strike at Jammu Kashmir's future. We have adopted 360-degree approach for cracking down on drug peddlers, rehabilitating addicts, training police, raising awareness, and mobilizing grassroots participation,” he said.
“Under a new SoP, we are taking stringent action. Between April 11 and May 2, the Jammu and Kashmir divisions together recorded 481 FIRs in just 21 days. During this period, 518 drug smugglers and peddlers were sent to jail, while 24 houses, which were proceeds of crime, were demolished and property worth crores was seized. Kashmir alone accounted for 26 of these attachments. In addition, authorities have recommended the cancellation of more than 300 driving licences,” he said.
Sinha said across the region, cancellation of 325 vehicle registrations has been recommended. “Nearly 3,000 drug stores were inspected, leading to 107 license suspensions and one FIR. These figures highlight how police and civil administration, backed by public cooperation, are enforcing a strict “Zero Tolerance to Drugs” policy aimed at dismantling the supply chain completely”.
The Lieutenant Governor issued a stern warning to narco-terror networks stating that drug syndicates, and anti-national element's time on Jammu Kashmir's soil is over.
“Our agencies, our administration, and our people stand united to dismantle every smuggling ring and peddler operation. We are tracking the financial trails of drug cartels. Every link will be broken, every mechanism destroyed. I pledge to the people that every trafficker will be exposed, every criminal will face justice, and anyone, inside or outside Jammu Kashmir, who has aided the drug network will be held accountable under the full force of law,” he added.