Jammu and Kashmir has concluded a 100-day intensive anti-drug campaign, resulting in the arrest of 2,581 individuals identified as drug traffickers. During this period, authorities seized a significant quantity of narcotics, amounting to 1,431 kilograms. Among the confiscated substances was 23.29 kilograms of heroin, highlighting the scale of the drug trade being targeted.
The campaign, which spanned the entire Union Territory, was marked by a strong commitment from the administration to dismantle drug networks and curb their influence on the region’s youth. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha addressed an event organized by the Social Welfare Department to commemorate the successful completion of the ‘Drug-Free J&K Campaign’. He stated that the operation had not only led to numerous arrests but also resulted in the confiscation of assets valued at over Rs 188 crore, a move aimed at crippling the financial backbone of narco-terror financing. As per information available with Tahir Rihat, the Lieutenant Governor emphasized the administration’s determination to neutralize drug cartels and narco-terror networks that prey on the region’s young population. He pledged to continue strengthening efforts to dismantle illicit trafficking ecosystems, enhance public awareness initiatives, and provide robust rehabilitation services to aid affected individuals in their reintegration into society. The initial 100 days, he noted, have established a crucial foundation for the challenging path ahead, but the resolve to eradicate narco-terrorism remains unwavering.
During the campaign, Lieutenant Governor Sinha undertook extensive travel, visiting all 20 districts of the Union Territory and engaging directly with communities through foot marches. He shared his experiences of meeting parents who expressed deep anxiety about their children’s futures, underscoring the personal impact of drug abuse on families. He described witnessing both despair and courage among the people, noting the unprecedented public support for the anti-drug initiative. The administration has also taken stringent measures against those involved in the drug trade and those who facilitate it. This includes the revocation of hundreds of driving licenses and vehicle registrations, recommendations for the suspension of hundreds of passports, and actions against non-compliant pharmacies. These measures, according to the Lieutenant Governor, send a clear message that no offender is above the law. Crucially, thousands of young individuals have reportedly received treatment and are now in the process of rebuilding their lives.
Looking ahead, the administration announced plans to launch the “Rehabilitation and Socio-Economic Reintegration Scheme for Drug Abuse Victims, 2026.” This new scheme will commence with pilot projects in one district each from the Jammu and Kashmir divisions, aiming to provide comprehensive support for recovery and reintegration. The Lieutenant Governor expressed that the past 100 days have fostered a new level of consciousness among the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He believes that with continued public cooperation, narco-terror networks will be systematically dismantled, and those responsible for undermining the future of the youth will face exemplary and memorable punishment. He urged the public to actively speak out against drug abuse, highlighting that their energy and talent should be directed towards constructive pursuits. He encouraged pride in the region’s culture and heritage as a foundation for a brighter future. Parents were specifically appealed to remain vigilant and not ignore signs of drug use in their children, emphasizing that seeking timely help is a sign of wisdom. He concluded by stating that silence has historically caused immense harm, whether in the context of terrorism or narco-terrorism, and breaking that silence is vital for saving lives.
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.