Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has declared a comprehensive strategy to combat drug abuse in Jammu and Kashmir, framing it as a critical threat orchestrated by Pakistan to fund terrorism and undermine the region’s youth. Sinha emphasized that drug abuse is not merely a law and order problem but a societal malignancy that demands unified action. He called for a “Whole of Government” and “Whole of Society” approach, asserting that collective strength and resolve can overcome this challenge.
Speaking at a public meeting in Ramban during the ‘Drug-Free Jammu Kashmir’ campaign, the Lieutenant Governor announced plans to map every drug hotspot and conduct targeted operations resembling surgical strikes to dismantle drug networks. According to Sinha, no smuggler will be spared, and the entire infrastructure supporting drug trafficking will be eliminated. Information reaching TahirRihat.com suggests that the administration is preparing for a sustained and intensive campaign targeting the sources and distribution channels of narcotics across the region.
The Lieutenant Governor underscored Pakistan’s alleged role in fostering drug smuggling into Jammu and Kashmir to finance terrorist activities and endanger the younger generation. He stressed the need for a consolidated effort to combat this menace. Sinha led a Padyatra from District Police Line to the District Administrative Complex in Ramban, demonstrating his commitment to eradicating drug addiction. Participants included public representatives, senior officials from civil and police administration, civil society members, religious leaders, business and trade community representatives, ex-servicemen, prominent citizens, women, students, youth, and individuals from various backgrounds, all united in their determination to eliminate drug addiction and safeguard the youth’s future.
Addressing a large gathering, Sinha highlighted the importance of society’s role in combating drug abuse, urging collective action. He likened the spread of drugs to wind, emphasizing that no one is safe until everyone is free from its influence. He firmly believes that when society unites behind a cause, the law gains immense strength and underscored the need to create an environment where dealers fear the law, and those who overcome drug addiction are proud of their accomplishment. He also recognized the critical role of women in bringing about societal change.
The Lieutenant Governor encouraged every Panchayat and Ward to establish women’s vigilance committees, recognizing women as the frontline soldiers in this battle. He urged families to seek help for addiction, viewing it as a medical condition rather than a crime, and emphasized the importance of society’s support in the recovery process. He also directly addressed the youth and cautioned them against the fallacy that drugs are cool, portraying drug use as a form of slavery to drugs and drug dealers.
Sinha advised the youth to channel their energies into sports, arts, and education, promising to make drug use a symbol of cowardice in schools and colleges. He stressed the priority of treatment, identification, and rehabilitation, emphasizing that each drug de-addiction center must be genuine and well-equipped. He mandated stringent monitoring of these centers, promising immediate closure of any center found operating illegally or harming society, regardless of the operator’s influence. According to The Daily Excelsior, action is underway against all such centers.
The Lieutenant Governor instructed police officials to dismantle drug supply chains, list all Ramban drug traffickers at police stations, and eliminate drug networks. He said that silence from society is no longer an option. He added that divisional and district administrations have developed a comprehensive, multi-pronged strategy covering every ward and panchayat. Sinha stressed that the fight belongs to everyone and warned of the consequences of failure for future generations. He concluded by urging everyone to pledge to deny shelter to drug dealers and guide addicts toward healing, channeling the energy of the youth toward constructive purposes. The Lieutenant Governor administered an Anti-Drug Pledge and flagged off a bike rally, along with a series of awareness programs encouraging citizens to actively participate in the anti-narcotics campaign.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.
