Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday announced the formation of a ‘Parents Brigade’ in every city, town and village of the Union Territory, saying the initiative will act as a voluntary network to identify early signs of drug abuse and connect affected families with support systems.
Addressing a gathering in Budgam as part of the drug-free J&K campaign, the Lieutenant Governor said the brigade would include parents, women and youth trained to detect early signs of substance abuse in their localities and immediately link families to available resources.
He said the initiative is part of a larger people’s movement against drugs, assuring that every arm of the administration would act with resolve and unity to eliminate the threat. He appealed to families, social organisations, and spiritual and political leaders to intensify the campaign across the district.
Sinha said Budgam must stand firmly against the menace of drugs, describing it as a poison destroying the soul of the younger generation. “Every young person lost to addiction is a loss to our future workforce and a potential soldier for our police and armed forces. Every family broken by addiction is a crack in the foundation of our society,” he said.
Emphasising a compassionate approach, the Lieutenant Governor said society must acknowledge that many boys and girls battling addiction are “our own children.” “They are victims, not criminals, and they need our embrace, compassion and care,” he said, urging the public to eliminate stigma so that families do not suffer in silence.
He stressed that drug addiction is not only a health concern but also a national security issue. “Drugs hollow out the aspirations of our youth and fund terrorism and radicalisation,” he said, adding that drug trafficking and terror funding are interconnected challenges.
Without naming any country, Sinha said a neighbouring nation is involved in smuggling drugs into Jammu and Kashmir. “Drug trafficking and terror funding are two hands of the same enemy. When we fight drugs, we also fight terror. When we protect our youth, we protect our nation,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor said the Drug-Free Jammu and Kashmir campaign was launched on April 11 in Jammu and has now entered a crucial phase. He noted that while 24 days have passed, 76 days remain in the 100-day campaign, urging citizens to demonstrate collective resolve against the social evil.
“The law enforcement agencies alone cannot win this war. But together—teachers, parents, spiritual leaders, youth and citizens—we can become an invincible force,” he said.
Sinha also announced strict enforcement measures, stating that all police stations in the Kashmir Valley have been directed to compile complete data on drug smugglers and peddlers and take decisive action within 30 days. He added that financial transactions of drug networks are being closely monitored and action will extend beyond small-time peddlers to major traffickers.
“The properties built with drug money will be demolished,” he said, warning that those involved in narco-terror networks will face strict action.
Calling for public participation, the Lieutenant Governor urged citizens to act as the eyes and ears of the administration. “Report any suspicious activity immediately. With public cooperation, we will ensure that no drug peddler operates in any village, neighbourhood or college in Budgam,” he said.
He issued a stern warning to those involved in drug trafficking, saying their time in Budgam is over and that authorities are fully aware of their activities. “Not a single drug smuggler will escape accountability,” he added.
