Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has issued a strong appeal to the region’s youth, urging them to steer clear of drug abuse and actively participate in the ‘Nasha Mukt’ (drug-free) campaign. The call came during a UT-level event organized by the Department of Youth Affairs and Sports and SKUAST-Kashmir, marking the launch of the ‘Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan’. This extensive 100-week initiative was virtually inaugurated nationwide by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, underscoring a national commitment to safeguarding the future by empowering young citizens and eradicating the pervasive threat of narcotics.
Addressing the young population of Jammu and Kashmir, Lieutenant Governor Sinha emphasized the demographic dividend that India possesses, with a significant majority of its citizens falling under the age of 35. He highlighted the eagerness of approximately 37 crore individuals in the 15-29 age bracket to contribute meaningfully to the nation’s development. The Lieutenant Governor articulated that the campaign is designed to harness this youthful energy, channeling it towards adopting healthy lifestyles and fostering active engagement in nation-building endeavors. He envisioned the youth as a dynamic force, ready to permeate the landscape of progress and development.
Information reaching Tahir Rihat suggests that the ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan’, initially launched by Prime Minister Modi in 2020, transcends its designation as a mere government program. It is, in essence, a societal movement aimed at combating the menace of drugs by cultivating values such as self-discipline, positive outlooks, and robust determination among the populace. The Lieutenant Governor noted the widespread participation in this campaign, with over one crore young individuals involved across nearly 10,000 locations throughout the country, reflecting a collective societal responsibility to shield young people from the perils of drug addiction. He expressed optimism that this initiative would prove instrumental in its mission to eradicate drug abuse from society.
Lieutenant Governor Sinha extended his congratulations to the youth of Jammu and Kashmir for their enthusiastic involvement in the preceding 100-day ‘Nasha Mukt J&K Abhiyan’, which ran from April 11 to July 20. He lauded this regional campaign as a benchmark of success that has garnered national recognition. The Lieutenant Governor attributed the triumph of this initiative to the collaborative efforts of the administration, law enforcement agencies, social organizations, educational institutions, religious leaders, and the general citizenry. He asserted that these combined efforts demonstrated the capacity to surmount even the most formidable challenges when society unites for a shared objective.
Detailing the tangible outcomes of the ‘Nasha Mukt Jammu and Kashmir’ campaign, Lieutenant Governor Sinha reported significant enforcement actions. Approximately 2,300 First Information Reports (FIRs) were registered, leading to the arrest of 2,600 individuals. Furthermore, nearly 1,500 kilograms of narcotics were seized, indicating a substantial disruption of drug trafficking networks. In a decisive move against those involved in illicit activities, over 331 properties valued at approximately Rs 200 crore, linked to narco-terrorists and drug smugglers, have been attached. The campaign also extended to administrative measures, with over 370 driving licenses and 750 vehicle registrations being cancelled. Recommendations have also been made for the cancellation of nearly 3,000 Aadhaar cards. These stringent actions, as stated by the Lieutenant Governor, underscore the government’s unwavering commitment to dismantling the drug network that poses a grave threat to the future of the region’s youth.
The Lieutenant Governor further stressed the critical role that families, educators, and youth organizations must play in guiding young individuals away from the allure and dangers of drugs. He called for a proactive approach from these stakeholders in fostering an environment that supports healthy choices and discourages substance abuse. The ‘Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan’ aims to build upon the successes achieved, creating a sustained momentum against drug addiction and promoting a culture of well-being and national contribution among the youth. The campaign’s broad scope and inclusive approach are intended to foster a sense of ownership and responsibility among all segments of society in the fight against drugs, ensuring a healthier and more prosperous future for Jammu and Kashmir and, by extension, for India.
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.