Srinagar, May 13: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday said the anti-drug campaign in Jammu and Kashmir has dealt a severe blow to the drug-smuggling ecosystem, and that the mass movement is transforming into a revolution against narcotics.
The campaign, titled ‘Nasha Mukt Jammu and Kashmir Abhiyaan’, reached north Kashmir’s Kupwara district on Wednesday, with Sinha leading a padyatra from the Government Boys Higher Secondary School to Main Chowk Kupwara. A large number of people, including students, participated in the foot march.
“Today in Kupwara, I joined the Padyatra under ‘Drug-Free Jammu Kashmir Campaign’ & addressed a gathering. Over the past 32 days, we have struck a devastating blow to the entire drug smuggling ecosystem, and this people’s movement is transforming into a revolution against narcotics,” Sinha said in a post on X.
He said consistent action by the administration is crippling narco-terrorist networks.
“Properties worth crores have been seized, assets confiscated, and passports of 15 smugglers recommended for cancellation. Over 730 smugglers and peddlers have been arrested,” he said.
The campaign began in Jammu on April 11 with a massive padyatra (foot march) led by the lieutenant governor from the M A Stadium. Sinha also led a similar march in the Lal Chowk area of Srinagar city on May 3, as well as in other districts of the Union Territory.
Addressing a public gathering later, the Lt Governor said that when the campaign was launched in April, many had doubted whether a mass movement against drugs was possible and underestimated the power of awakened citizens backed by determined governance.
“With people’s participation and massive support across the Union Territory, a truly organic movement has emerged across villages, urban neighbourhoods, schools, colleges, and the streets of Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.
Sinha said the fight against drugs would be a long and sustained battle.
“For decades, people in Jammu and Kashmir saw drugs and terrorism as separate threats. But they are two heads of the same snake. One makes money through drugs, while the other uses that money to fuel terrorism. Our terrorist neighbour is financing terror through drug smuggling, turning both drugs and money against innocent Kashmiris,” he said.
Sinha said drug smuggling was destroying families and communities while providing terror groups with their “oxygen”. “By dismantling drug smuggling networks, the administration is cutting the lifeline that feeds the fire of terror,” he said.
Referring to enforcement action in north Kashmir, Sinha said 28 drug smugglers from Kupwara and Handwara had been jailed.
“I want to urge our police officers, the soldiers guarding Kupwara’s borders, and the Anti-Narcotics Task Force warriors that not a single guilty person should escape. As a border district, Kupwara must stay extra vigilant and take the harshest action against drug smugglers,” he said.
Sinha also urged citizens of Kupwara to participate in the awareness drive. Stressing the need for rehabilitation, he asked officials and stakeholders to treat drug addicts as victims trapped in the dark web of narcotics.
“The drug addicts need our compassion. They are our responsibility. We have to support every young man and woman seeking counselling or treatment. We must ensure they return to society’s mainstream.
The Lt Governor directed senior officials to ensure prompt action on complaints and tips received through the Manas portal and toll-free helpline.
“Every citizen of Kupwara must remember that we will reach every young person extending a hand for help. Together, we will dismantle the drug smuggling networks, free our youth from addiction’s clutches, and reconnect them to the path of progress,” he said.
Sinha also hit back at critics of the campaign, challenging them to identify even one innocent person who had been unfairly targeted.
“If anyone is trying to protect drug smugglers, we must ask ourselves whether they should face consequences or not,” he said.
“The people of Jammu and Kashmir are very clear and firm in demanding stringent action against drug smugglers. When people unite, no force can stop us,” he said.
Sinha said the crackdown on drug-smuggling networks would become tougher in the coming days.
Recalling his interaction with women from Dardpora village, Sinha said they had spoken about how drug smuggling financed the weapons that devastated their families.
“That’s why I say it loud and clear that drug traffickers and terrorists are inseparable partners in crime,” he said.
