Jammu, April 11: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday launched a 100-day mass movement for a “Drug-Free Jammu & Kashmir” from MA Stadium, Jammu, marking the beginning of an intensified campaign against substance abuse in the Union Territory.
The Lieutenant Governor flagged off a padyatra from MA Stadium to Parade Ground, joined by public representatives, senior officials, and thousands of citizens, signalling a unified push under the “Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir Abhiyaan.”
Addressing the gathering, Sinha said the campaign aims to reach every household and strengthen collective resolve against drugs. He stressed that the next three months would be crucial, with the initiative unfolding in six phases—awareness drives, youth engagement, community participation, strict enforcement, rehabilitation, and evaluation.
Calling drug abuse a serious social challenge, the LG said it cannot be tackled by the administration alone. “This is not just an individual problem but a collective crisis that demands collective action,” he said, urging society to stand together in the fight.
He warned drug traffickers of strict action, announcing a zero-tolerance approach. “Those who destroy society will face the full force of law,” he said, adding that networks involved in smuggling would be dismantled.
Sinha also outlined stringent measures under a new SOP, including revocation of passports, driving licences, Aadhaar cards, arms licences, freezing of bank accounts, and attachment of properties of those involved in drug trafficking. He said Look Out Circulars would be issued against absconders.
Highlighting recent reforms, he said rehabilitation and counselling centres in J&K would now function under strict regulatory oversight to ensure quality treatment for addiction-affected individuals.
The LG also directed officials to strengthen grassroots intelligence through panchayats, mohalla committees, chowkidars, lambardars, and ward surveillance groups to identify offenders and support enforcement.
He called upon youth, teachers, social workers, athletes, and civil society to actively participate in the campaign, stating that awareness programmes, sports events, debates, quizzes, and marches would help build a strong social movement.
“April 11 is not a ceremonial start but the beginning of a transformative journey,” Sinha said, adding that the aim is to build a sustained, people-driven movement for a drug-free society.
The event also featured the administration of an anti-drug pledge and the unveiling of the campaign mascot, with cultural performances reinforcing the message of a drug-free Jammu & Kashmir.