Srinagar, May 3 : Terming drug trafficking as “silent terrorism” aimed at destroying Jammu and Kashmir’s youth, families, and future, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday declared that drug peddlers are enemies of the nation and will be dealt with accordingly.
Addressing a gathering at the TRC Football Ground during the Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyaan before leading a padyatra, LG Sinha said the anti‑drug campaign has turned into a “Jan Andolan” within just 22 days. “This war is being fought in every home, every mohalla and every lane where drugs are draining the life force of our youth,” he said.
The oath against drugs, he stressed, is not symbolic but reflects the pain of parents, the anguish of families, and the concern of teachers who have seen young lives destroyed. “This is the resolve of every mother, every father and every teacher. People have now declared ‘bohat hua, ab aur nahi hoga’,” he said.
Highlighting his outreach, Sinha said he had personally visited eight districts of Jammu division and taken out padyatras, where people delivered a unified message: “We want our children back, we want our future back.” He said he has come to Kashmir to assure them that this future will be restored “at any cost” and that the campaign has united generations and sections of society in a collective fight.
The LG flagged the serious security dimension of drug trafficking, linking it directly to terrorism. “We are facing a dangerous enemy sitting in our neighbourhood. Drug money is being used to fund terrorism and procure weapons,” he said.
He warned that narco‑networks are targeting “the most creative and productive force, our youth,” seeking to weaken families, the economy, and the moral foundations of society. “They are introducing new methods and instruments to push drugs into markets. But we will not allow their designs to succeed,” he asserted.
Sinha recalled that a 100‑day campaign was launched on April 11, with 78 days still remaining. “Every day, every hour is important. We must ensure maximum public participation and make J&K a model drug‑free society,” he said.
He emphasised that the administration is working on three fronts: breaking supply chains, spreading mass awareness, and rehabilitating addicts. “Public participation is the biggest weapon. Police action and laws alone are not enough unless society stands together,” he added.
Citing enforcement data, the LG said that between April 11 and May 2, over 481 FIRs were registered, 518 drug smugglers arrested, and 24 narco‑properties attached. Around 300 driving licences were suspended and several more cancelled, five passports cancelled, 325 vehicles seized, and more than 3,000 drug stores inspected, with 107 licences suspended and an FIR lodged against one.
Financial transactions of drug syndicates are being tracked, he said, and “each link of the network is being broken.”
Assuring people, Sinha said every culprit will be identified, “whether inside or outside J&K.” He said police stations will maintain photo galleries of drug peddlers and lookout notices will be issued against absconders. “Where there is guilt, there will be no mercy. But the innocent will not be touched,” he declared.
Calling drug smugglers “enemies of humanity and our youth,” he reiterated that they will be treated as enemies of the country.
Describing the drug scourge as “silent terrorism,” Sinha said it is poisoning lives, weakening families, and destroying society. He urged people to act as the “eyes and ears” of the administration by preparing lists of traffickers and cooperating closely with police and civil authorities.
He called on religious leaders, imams, teachers, women, and youth groups to actively participate. “The time for silence is over,” he said, noting that over 70,000 people have already joined the movement, with women’s committees, youth clubs, and social organisations playing a key role.
In a direct appeal to the youth, Sinha said, “Taking drugs is not ‘cool’. Those trapped are victims and must be helped through treatment and compassion.” He added that the days of those trying to destroy Jammu and Kashmir are over and that a firm pledge has been taken to make J&K drug‑free, which will be achieved with full determination.
