Associated News Bureau

LG Sinha Leads Anti-Drug Padyatra in Kishtwar, Vows Relentless Crackdown on Narco-Terror Networks

Kishtwar, June 6: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday led a padyatra in Kishtwar as the ongoing Drug-Free Jammu and Kashmir Campaign reached its 19th district, reiterating the administration’s commitment to eradicating drug abuse and dismantling narco-terror networks across the Union Territory. Addressing a public rally, the Lieutenant Governor said the administration is targeting every link in the drug trade, including cross-border smugglers, local peddlers and terror financiers. “We are breaking the chain of the drug trade at every single link. Whether it is cross-border smugglers, peddlers or terror financiers, there is no safe haven. Our agencies are hunting down every narco-terrorist and permanently dismantling their networks,” he said. Sinha noted that during the past nearly two months, citizens from all sections of society have participated in the campaign across Jammu and Kashmir, sharing the concerns of affected families and encouraging young people to stay away from substance abuse. He said the campaign aims to build a strong grassroots movement against drug abuse and narco-terrorism. The Lieutenant Governor said he has remained focused on a single mission for the last 56 days—eliminating drug smugglers and narco-terrorists from Jammu and Kashmir. He warned that those involved in the narcotics trade, regardless of their location, would face strict action. Referring to the Centre’s anti-narcotics policy under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Sinha said there would be no leniency for individuals involved in narco-terror activities. He emphasized that while the administration is committed to helping individuals struggling with addiction through rehabilitation and reintegration measures, those profiting from the destruction of lives through drug trafficking would face uncompromising action. The Lieutenant Governor said that although the Drug-Free J&K Campaign is planned as a 100-day initiative, it represents the beginning of a sustained and long-term effort. Describing the fight against drugs as a prolonged challenge, he called for a whole-of-society approach involving communities, educational institutions, religious leaders, Panchayat Mahila Samitis and civil society organizations. Sinha said the administration is working to strengthen community awareness, promote early intervention and create local support systems to prevent substance abuse among youth. Highlighting the participation of young people across the Union Territory, he said the campaign has witnessed inspiring examples of individuals overcoming addiction and rebuilding their lives. Calling it a defining moment for the future of Jammu and Kashmir’s youth, the Lieutenant Governor said the people have united in their resolve to ensure that drug traffickers and narco-terror elements are driven out of the region. ANB