Anantnag, May 10, KNT: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday said drug addiction and armed violence were interconnected challenges and called for a united social response to defeat narcotics abuse and drug trafficking in Jammu and Kashmir.
The Lieutenant Governor made the remarks while joining a public walk in Anantnag district as part of the “Drug-Free J&K Campaign.”
Addressing a public gathering, Sinha appealed to people from all sections of society to openly speak against drug addiction and support awareness efforts aimed at protecting youth from substance abuse.
“The challenge of drug addiction can be eradicated only through a whole-of-society approach,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
He said educational institutions, families, sports grounds, villages and cultural platforms should collectively participate in the campaign and strengthen public awareness against drugs.
The Lieutenant Governor alleged that narcotics were being smuggled into Jammu and Kashmir from across the border as part of a deliberate strategy linked to violence and radicalization.
“Our neighboring country is smuggling drugs into Jammu Kashmir by design,” he said.
Sinha claimed that money generated through narcotics trafficking was being used not only for illegal enrichment by smugglers but also for funding violent activities.
“The drug money has been used to build narco-palaces by drug smugglers and a large portion of drug money is being used for violence and radicalization,” he said.
He further said that while drugs were destroying the future of youth in Jammu and Kashmir, armed groups were allegedly using proceeds from narcotics trade to procure weapons.
“This narco network has inflicted suffering on generations of Jammu Kashmir for decades,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor reiterated that authorities would continue action against narcotics trafficking networks and associated infrastructure.
“I promise all of you that we will not rest until we defeat it,” he said.
Calling for intensified anti-drug operations in Anantnag district, Sinha directed police and civil administration to cover every panchayat and vulnerable area during the next 71 days of the campaign.
He said significant enforcement action had already been taken in Anantnag since April 11.
According to the Lieutenant Governor, 108 NDPS cases had been registered in the district during the period, while properties allegedly built using drug money worth around Rs 3.5 crore had been demolished.
He further said that 22 vehicles had been seized, eight driving licenses and vehicle registrations cancelled, and 13 drug stores sealed for violating legal provisions.
“I assure the people of Anantnag that not a single smuggler will be left untouched,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
Sinha also emphasized the role of women and youth in anti-drug awareness and rehabilitation efforts, urging communities to help individuals struggling with addiction return to normal life.
He appealed to teachers, sportspersons and religious leaders to actively participate in awareness campaigns and rehabilitation initiatives during the ongoing anti-drug drive.
“Religious leaders are regarded as people’s guides. I want them to warn youth about the dangers of drugs,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor said the campaign against narcotics could not be fought by the administration alone and required active participation from society as a whole.
During the visit, Sinha also laid foundation stones for multiple sports infrastructure projects worth Rs 20.60 crore in the district.
The projects include development of sports infrastructure and residential facilities at Jablipora, expansion of sports facilities at Chaki-Kamal Monghal, reconstruction of a sports complex at Nillandrusu and development of a stadium at Harmohalla Ranbirpora.
He said improved sports infrastructure would help channel the energy of youth toward positive activities and strengthen discipline and sportsmanship.
The Lieutenant Governor also felicitated youth achievers and distributed sports kits during the event.
Artists presented awareness performances through traditional theatre, folk performances and mime acts highlighting the dangers of drug abuse and encouraging youth participation in building a drug-free society. [KNT]
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