LG Sinha Leads Drug-Free J&K Padyatra in Poonch, Announces Intensified Crackdown on Narco-Terror Networks
Jammu, June 7: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday joined the ‘Drug-Free J&K’ campaign and padyatra in Poonch, marking the completion of the outreach programme across all 20 districts of Jammu and Kashmir. Addressing participants, he said the campaign's objective was to free the Union Territory from the scourge of drug abuse and eliminate narco-terrorism through a sustained and collective effort.
The Lieutenant Governor said the anti-drug campaign was entering a crucial phase and called upon citizens, Panchayats, urban wards, educational institutions, youth groups and civil society organizations to actively participate in a 43-day mass movement against narcotics.
“The fight for a drug-free Jammu and Kashmir intensifies today from Poonch. For the next 43 days, every citizen, Panchayat and ward must unite to target drug smugglers and drug peddlers, spread awareness and accelerate rehabilitation efforts. Collective responsibility will build a healthier future,” he said.
Sinha noted that over the past 57 days he had travelled across every district of Jammu and Kashmir, assuring people that those responsible for harming society through drug trafficking would face strict action.
“Today, I assure all citizens that we will light the lamp of a brighter future and continue our efforts until the menace of drugs is eradicated,” he said.
Calling for a large-scale public movement, the Lieutenant Governor said every Panchayat, village, lane and household in Poonch and across the Union Territory should be mobilized to make communities drug-free.
Referring to Poonch’s strategic location along the border, Sinha said narco-terror elements were attempting to exploit the region’s geography for cross-border smuggling activities.
“The people of Poonch understand that, as a border district, it remains vulnerable to attempts by narco-terror networks. Cross-border drug smuggling is destroying young lives while simultaneously financing terrorism. This challenge must be confronted through a whole-of-society approach,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor emphasized that tackling the drug menace requires a shift from indifference to active participation. He observed that a “not my problem” attitude only strengthens drug smugglers and peddlers, who often rely on public silence to expand their illegal operations.
He said meaningful change could only be achieved when communities stand united against the menace.
“A drug-free society is built by citizens who choose to speak up and act. This is a shared battle that affects every section of society. Economic progress alone is not enough; it must be accompanied by vigilance and collective action,” he said.
Highlighting the achievements of the administration’s anti-drug campaign, Sinha said law enforcement agencies had launched an extensive crackdown on narcotics networks during the past 57 days. According to official figures, more than 1,130 drug smugglers have been arrested under 1,038 FIRs, while 63 accused have been detained under the PIT-NDPS Act. Authorities have also attached over 100 properties linked to drug trafficking.
To further disrupt criminal networks, the administration has cancelled around 700 driving licences and initiated action to revoke approximately 130 passports of individuals involved in narcotics-related offences.
The Lieutenant Governor stressed that the ‘Drug-Free J&K’ campaign must reach every household and become a permanent part of public consciousness. He said the most effective strategy for prevention lies in providing youth with opportunities through education, skill development, sports and constructive engagement.
“Young people must be empowered to become the strongest force against drug addiction and substance abuse,” he said.
Outlining the campaign’s future strategy, Sinha said it would rest on two key pillars: mobilising youth clubs as the frontline defence against local drug networks and placing women in leadership roles so that mothers and sisters can spearhead efforts to make villages and neighbourhoods drug-free.
The Lieutenant Governor also announced that law enforcement agencies have been given a free hand to completely dismantle the narco-terror ecosystem operating in Jammu and Kashmir.
Under a newly issued Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), individuals found involved in drug smuggling will face stringent legal and administrative consequences. These include the cancellation of passports, driving licences, arms licences and Aadhaar-linked privileges, besides attachment of movable and immovable assets under the provisions of the NDPS Act.
Reaffirming the administration’s commitment, Sinha said Jammu and Kashmir Police, law enforcement agencies and narcotics control authorities had been directed to ensure that no drug smuggler or peddler operates within their jurisdiction.
“A drug-free Jammu and Kashmir will emerge from this mass movement. The road ahead is long, but we will not stop until every narco-terror network is dismantled. Our determination is unwavering, our unity is our strength, and our mission is to secure a safer and healthier future for coming generations,” he said. ANB
