Elated over the overwhelming public response to the ongoing anti-drug campaign across the Union Territory, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said it has truly become a people’s movement as citizens wish to get rid of the menace and save the youth from the trap of drugs.
The LG joined the ‘Nasha-Mukt Jammu Kashmir Campaign’ padyatra in Kupwara on Wednesday. Addressing a public gathering, the Lieutenant Governor said over the past 32 days, the civil and police administration has struck a devastating blow to the entire drug smuggling ecosystem, and this people’s movement is transforming into a revolution against narcotics.
“Our consistent action is crippling narco-terror networks. Properties worth crores have been seized, assets confiscated, and passports of 15 smugglers have been recommended for cancellation. Over 730 smugglers and peddlers have been arrested,” the Lieutenant Governor said, adding that this has set historic records in many ways.
The Lieutenant Governor stated that at the start of this campaign in April, many doubted the possibility of a mass movement against drugs and underestimated the strength of an awakened public and the impact of determined governance with citizen support. He said he also joined the Drug-Free Jammu and Kashmir campaign in Baramulla, engaging with citizens and participating in a padyatra.
The campaign, fueled by public support, has turned into a people’s movement and is setting historic records in Jammu and Kashmir. No past social campaign has seen such massive participation, he added. He said nearly 3,000 calls have been received for Tele-MANAS counselling and support in the past 31 days. He said the response to drugs must be rooted in science.
“We do not shame diabetes patients into health or cure cancer patients through stigma. Likewise, we must treat and rehabilitate addicts with dignity, reconnecting them to society’s mainstream through resolve and compassion,” he said.
“Just as communities are taught to vaccinate against bacteria and viruses, we will partner with religious leaders and social groups to create a Community Immunization initiative against drugs in 5–10 high-risk hotspot areas per district,” he said. He further urged schools, mosques, temples, gurdwaras, and NGOs to dedicate one hour weekly to strengthen this initiative through awareness. It will act as an early warning system, monitoring hotspots and helping create fully drug-free zones.
“The second pillar is the Family Fortress Initiative, which will rely on strong family and community bonds as the ultimate shield against drug addiction. Over the next 60 days, every school, college, and place of worship in Jammu and Kashmir should host weekly family dialogues on drugs. These discussions should be open, honest, and paired with local campaign audits to identify and address gaps,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
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