Srinagar, May 23 (NVI): Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday joined the ‘Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir Padyatra’ in Shopian, where citizens from different walks of life pledged to eliminate narco-terrorism from every corner of the Union Territory.
Addressing the gathering, the Lieutenant Governor said the growing public participation against drugs marks the beginning of a new era in Jammu and Kashmir.
“With unwavering voices, citizens from all walks of life vowed that narcotics-terrorists will be driven out from every corner of the UT,” he said.
Sinha said the movement, which started 43 days ago in Jammu, has now transformed into a massive grassroots campaign across Jammu and Kashmir.
“From every lane and by-lane of the UT, voices are rising in unison, demanding that not a single drug smuggler be spared. What began 43 days ago in Jammu has now surged into a powerful grassroots movement, echoing across communities with unstoppable force,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor said millions of people across Jammu and Kashmir are united with a common resolve to eradicate narcotics-terrorism from the “land of paradise.”
“It is now firmly etched in the minds of our people that this is not a distant issue but a challenge confronting us at our very doorstep, one we must face head-on with courage and resolve,” he added.
Highlighting the dangers posed by drug abuse, Sinha said narcotics are pushing the youth away from the path of progress, while terror groups are using proceeds from drugs to purchase weapons.
“Terrorist groups use proceeds from drugs to buy weapons, and with those weapons the blood of ordinary Kashmiris is being spilled,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor warned of strict action against anyone found linked to drug networks.
“Whether an official or anyone in public life, if they are in any way connected to the drug network or lend it support, they will face strict legal consequences,” he said, adding that even the slightest trace of such elements within the system would be “mercilessly cut out without hesitation.”
Sinha said smugglers and narco-terrorists had built “dark fiefdoms” by destroying the lives of youth, but asserted that the administration is dismantling those networks brick by brick.
He said every drug sold in towns and villages was “like a bullet pressed against the chest of the people,” and stressed the need to remove fear from households affected by the menace.
The Lieutenant Governor also said more than 7,000 women’s committees have been constituted across Jammu and Kashmir and the administration would ensure they are empowered to work effectively.
Sharing details of the anti-drug campaign, he said that during the past 43 days, 797 FIRs were registered and 894 drug smugglers and peddlers arrested. He said 59 traffickers were booked under PIT-NDPS provisions, while 81 properties built with alleged drug money were demolished.
According to the LG, 101 immovable properties and other assets worth crores have been attached, 457 driving licences suspended, and recommendations made for cancellation of passports of 22 smugglers and registrations of 606 vehicles.
He further said around 5,641 drug stores were inspected, with licences of 268 stores suspended or cancelled and FIRs lodged against six drug stores.
Sinha said the administration is also preparing a comprehensive rehabilitation policy aimed at de-addiction and reintegration of affected youth into the mainstream through employment opportunities.(NVI)
