Jammu, Apr 10: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday called for a united and sustained campaign against the rising menace of drug abuse in Jammu and Kashmir, cautioning that young people are increasingly being targeted and stressing the need for collective responsibility to protect their future.
In a video message, the Lieutenant Governor said the region is passing through a sensitive phase and warned that there appears to be a larger conspiracy aimed at pushing the youth towards substance abuse. He emphasized that safeguarding the younger generation must remain a top priority for society and the administration alike.
Referring to ongoing initiatives, he noted that the Nasha Mukta Bharat Abhiyan was launched in 2020, and since then sustained efforts have been made to curb drug addiction and promote awareness across the Union Territory.
Highlighting recent measures, the Lieutenant Governor said a major anti-drug drive was carried out in 2025, during which police and security agencies intensified enforcement actions against drug traffickers. However, he acknowledged that despite strict measures, the challenge of drug abuse continues to persist and requires stronger public participation.
Announcing a renewed push to tackle the issue, he said the administration has prepared a comprehensive action plan, including a focused 100-day programme to strengthen prevention and enforcement strategies. He informed that on April 11, a large gathering of civil society members, political representatives, teachers, sportspersons, and social activists has been convened at MA Stadium, where a collective pledge against drug abuse will be taken and an extensive awareness campaign will be launched.
Calling for mass involvement, the Lieutenant Governor said the fight against drugs cannot be handled by authorities alone and requires active support from every section of society. He expressed concern over the increasing number of distressing incidents linked to substance abuse and urged citizens to treat the campaign as a shared mission.
He further stated that all government departments, along with police and security forces, will work in coordination to implement the initiative effectively. The Lieutenant Governor also assured that he would personally visit different districts to encourage community participation and strengthen the movement to make Jammu and Kashmir drug-free.
