Jammu: Asserting that the full force of law will be used to dismantle cross-border drug trafficking networks, Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday announced sweeping punitive measures, including confiscation of properties and cancellation of key documents like Aadhaar of the accused.
Leading a ‘padyatra’ (march) from M A Stadium to Parade Ground here to mark the beginning of a 100-day intensive campaign in J-K to make it drugs-free, the Lt Governor said, “Our neighbour is using cross-border smuggling to poison our communities and undermine our nation’s future.”
“Every officer carries one obligation: this must stop. The full force of the law is now directed at smugglers. Their networks will be dismantled without delay,” he said.
The Lt Governor vowed decisive and uncompromising action against drug smugglers.
“The administration will confiscate all property, revoke licences, passports, Aadhaar, and freeze bank accounts of all those involved. This crackdown against drug smugglers will echo through generations,” he said.
The LG said that drug abuse is among J-K’s gravest challenges and reaffirmed that the administration remains firmly committed to confronting drug abuse and ensuring a decisive victory against the menace.
“Bound by shared purpose, we will rise against drug abuse and claim the victory that awaits us. The three-month-long people’s movement across J-K will make every person grasp the issue, turning information into responsibility through public participation,” he said.
In a stern warning, Sinha said that drug smugglers’ assets will be seized, ringleaders will be prosecuted, and punishment will be delivered swiftly.
He said new SoPs have been issued against drug traffickers.
“Under this SOP, we have taken a crucial decision to revoke passports, driving licenses, Aadhaar numbers, and arms licences of smugglers involved in drug trafficking. If they are absconding, a Look Out Circular will be issued immediately.
“Additionally, their movable and immovable properties will be attached under the NDPS Act, bank accounts frozen and financial investigations will be launched,” he said.
The Lt Governor directed senior officers to take swift action on complaints and strengthen grassroots intelligence with the help of panchayats, mohalla committees, chowkidars, lambardars and ward surveillance committees to identify and punish every culprit.
“Our strength lies in collective action. When departments unite with shared purpose, we prevail,” he said, urging all to join hands to make the ‘Nasha Mukt Abhiyan’ a success.
He also said the administration is committed to a coordinated and sustained campaign, bringing together all departments and stakeholders to effectively tackle the social evil and safeguard the youth across the Union Territory.
The padyatra commenced from Maulana Azad Stadium in the heart of Jammu and passed through Dogra Chowk, Vivekanand Chowk, Raghunath Bazaar and City Chowk, before culminating at Parade Ground, covering nearly two kilometres, with participants carrying the tricolour and raising slogans against drug abuse.
“Today, launched the historic mass movement for a drug-free J-K from M A Stadium in Jammu. We have given voice to a resolve that will reach every village, town, city, home, and heartbeat in UT, fulfilling the pledge of a drug-free region,” the Lt Governor said.
He said the next three months are pivotal, with the campaign advancing in six clear phases — awareness intensive drives, youth-focused events, community engagement, strict enforcement, rehabilitation and evaluation.
“We will move forward with a whole-of-government approach to rid J&K of the drug menace,” the Lt Governor said.
He said the drug-free J-K campaign demands not just sympathy but collective action because it is not an individual plight but a collective crisis, not one family’s tragedy but a challenge to us all.
“Together, with unwavering resolve, we will fight and defeat the scourge of drug abuse,” he said.
Taking a pledge, Sinha asserted that the administration is resolute in ensuring that no youth, family or aspiration is allowed to fall into the dark abyss of addiction.
“I firmly believe that drug addiction statistics show mere percentages and case files, but behind each lies a vivid story, a family’s struggle and agony,” he said.
