LG Leads Drug-Free J&K Padyatra in Kulgam, Says Crackdown on Narco-Terror Networks Intensified

Over 1,000 Drug Peddlers Arrested, 923 FIRs Registered in 51 Days; Fight Against Drugs Also a Battle for National Security: LG Manoj Sinha

Srinagar, June 1:Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday led the ‘Drug-Free J&K Padyatra’ in Kulgam and reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to eliminating the drug menace from society, describing the anti-drug campaign as a people’s movement that has united communities across the Union Territory.

Addressing a public gathering, the Lieutenant Governor said the campaign has connected every heart in Jammu and Kashmir with a common goal of making every village and town drug-free.

“This campaign belongs to the people. Parents, teachers, religious leaders and young volunteers have stood shoulder to shoulder with the administration. The road ahead is long. The fight against drugs will take sustained effort, constant alertness and unity. We must remain steadfast. We must encourage our young people, protect our families and strengthen our communities,” he said.

Highlighting the growing public participation in the movement, Sinha said that 51 days ago the people of Jammu and Kashmir ignited a spark of change, which has now transformed into a powerful flame of hope, courage and determination.

The Lieutenant Governor asserted that the campaign is striking directly at the financial backbone of terrorism by targeting drug trafficking networks and narco-terror elements.

“Every rupee spent on drugs fuels extremist violence, and narco-terrorists survive on that blood money. By halting the drug trade, we cut off the lifeline that sustains terror networks,” he said.

Calling upon people to view the issue beyond public health concerns, Sinha said the fight against drugs is also a crucial battle for national security.

“When we choke off drug smuggling, we weaken those who seek to destabilize our nation, spill the blood of innocent people of Jammu and Kashmir, and divert our youth from the path of progress,” he added.

The Lieutenant Governor said Jammu and Kashmir had suffered for years due to the activities of narco-terrorists, but the launch of the Nasha-Mukt Bharat Abhiyan under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the guidance of Union Home Minister Amit Shah marked a turning point in the fight against substance abuse and drug trafficking.

“I stand before you not only as your Lieutenant Governor but as a member of your family who shares your pain, your struggles, and your dream of a safe, empowered and drug-free Jammu and Kashmir,” Sinha said, recalling his 2021 pledge to create a fear-free and drug-free Union Territory.

He stated that extensive and coordinated operations have been conducted over the past 51 days against drug traffickers and narco-terror networks through a whole-of-government approach.

“Raids have targeted drug smugglers and peddlers in villages and towns, supply chains have been broken, and narco-terrorists have been exposed,” he said.

According to official figures shared during the event, 923 FIRs have been registered against drug traffickers during the last 51 days. More than 1,000 drug smugglers and peddlers have been arrested, while over 55 traffickers have been detained under PIT-NDPS provisions.

The administration has also cancelled 668 driving licences and recommended the revocation of 124 passports as part of the intensified crackdown.

Sinha emphasized that the anti-drug campaign is not limited to arrests and enforcement measures alone. He said the administration is simultaneously focusing on breaking supply chains, generating public awareness and ensuring dignified rehabilitation for individuals affected by addiction.

“We will ensure our youth are freed from the grip of addiction, return to the mainstream of society, and become the strength that will lead Jammu and Kashmir toward a brighter tomorrow,” the Lieutenant Governor said.