The Jammu and Kashmir administration has intensified its crackdown on drug peddlers and narco-terrorism syndicates under the Nasha Mukt J&K Abhiyan launched by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha.
Raids continued across south and north Kashmir and parts of the Jammu division, where properties linked to alleged drug peddlers were demolished on Monday. In north Kashmir, authorities demolished two shops and attached land belonging to an alleged drug peddler in the Hajin area.
The action was taken against Lal Din Sheikh, son of late Gh. Mohi-ud-Din Sheikh, a resident of Hakbara, Hajin, who is reportedly involved in narcotics-related activities.
Officials said the demolition drives are part of an intensified campaign against the drug trade in the Union Territory. The move will send a strong message to drug peddlers, who were warned about strict action multiple times.
Earlier on Sunday, LG Sinha led a padyatra to raise awareness about drug abuse in Kashmir. More than 30,000 people took part in the padyatra at TRC Football Stadium in Srinagar.
It is pertinent to mention that estimates suggest that over 1.3 million people in J&K are affected by various forms of narcotics, including prescription drugs, making the region one of the worst affected in recent years.
While economic indicators suggest J&K’s move towards development, the unemployment ratio remains double in the region compared to the national average.
A large proportion of those affected are young men and women, driven by factors such as depression, unemployment and career instability, while traffickers exploit these vulnerabilities of youth for profit.
Also read: A year after Pahalgam attack, tourism struggles to recover in J&K
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