Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has significantly escalated the administration’s commitment to eradicating drug abuse across Jammu and Kashmir, recently leading a public march, known as a padyatra, through the sensitive border district of Rajouri. This initiative is part of a broader, intensive campaign aimed at dismantling drug trafficking networks and freeing society from the pervasive grip of addiction. The Lieutenant Governor articulated a firm resolve to confront and overcome the challenges posed by cross-border drug smuggling, emphasizing the administration’s unwavering determination to combat this menace.
Information reaching TahirRihat.com suggests that the ongoing crackdown, which commenced on April 11, has yielded substantial results within a remarkably short period. During the five days from April 11 to April 15, security forces registered over 45 First Information Reports (FIRs) and apprehended 63 individuals identified as smugglers. Alongside these arrests, significant quantities of illicit drugs were seized, underscoring the scale of the operation and the success achieved in disrupting supply chains. The Lieutenant Governor’s participation in the Rajouri padyatra, followed by an address at a public rally, served to galvanize local support and reinforce the administration’s zero-tolerance policy towards drug peddlers.
The ‘Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir Abhiyaan’ (Drug-Free Jammu Kashmir Campaign) was formally launched by Lieutenant Governor Sinha on April 11 from Jammu, marking the beginning of a 100-day intensive drive. Prior to the Rajouri event, similar public engagement programs were conducted in Kathua on April 13 and Ramban on April 15, indicating a strategic and phased approach to cover various districts across the Union Territory. The choice of Rajouri, a district with a sensitive border and known vulnerabilities to cross-border illicit activities, highlights the administration’s focus on high-risk areas. The Lieutenant Governor’s public statements in Rajouri, as reported by Daily Excelsior, conveyed a strong message of commitment: “But we are determined to crush these challenges, dismantle the drug trade and liberate society from addiction.” This sentiment was echoed in his post on X, where he shared his participation in the padyatra and the public rally.
The relentless crackdown initiated by the Jammu and Kashmir Police in the Jammu division, as detailed in the source material, has been comprehensive. The figures released indicate a proactive and aggressive stance against drug traffickers. The seizure of massive drug hauls alongside the arrests of 63 smugglers between April 11 and 15 demonstrates the effectiveness of the intelligence gathering and enforcement mechanisms put in place. The administration’s strategy extends beyond mere enforcement, incorporating regular checks in critical areas such as schools, pharmacies, and drug agencies. This multi-pronged approach aims to create a deterrent effect and ensure that the drive against drug abuse continues without respite. The Lieutenant Governor’s assurance that the drive will continue relentlessly signals a long-term commitment to achieving a drug-free Jammu and Kashmir.
The campaign’s momentum is building, with each phase designed to increase public awareness and participation in the fight against drug addiction. The involvement of the Lieutenant Governor in these grassroots-level initiatives, like the padyatra, is intended to foster a sense of collective responsibility and empower communities to actively contribute to the anti-drug efforts. The focus on border districts like Rajouri is particularly crucial, given their susceptibility to external influences and smuggling activities. By directly engaging with the public in these sensitive areas, the administration seeks to build trust and gather crucial intelligence, further strengthening its operational capabilities. The success of the initial phase, marked by a significant number of arrests and seizures, provides a strong foundation for the remaining duration of the 100-day campaign, aiming to create a lasting impact on the drug menace in the region.
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.
