Srinagar: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday said that a neighbouring country, known as the world’s foremost incubator of terrorism, is pushing narcotics to harm youth and sponsor terrorism, asserting that the administration will not rest until Jammu and Kashmir is completely drug-free.
Addressing the launch of a major campaign against drug abuse and narco-terrorism at TRC Football Ground here, the Lieutenant Governor said the fight against substance abuse is a collective mission involving every section of society. He also led a two-kilometre padyatra, calling upon people from all walks of life to commit themselves to eliminating the menace.
“In the war against drug abuse and narco-terrorism, every step matters. Every effort counts. Every contribution brings victory closer. Together, let us envision a Jammu Kashmir where no child is lost to drugs, no family is broken by addiction, no community suffers under traffickers, and every citizen thrives in health and strength,” he said.
“This is the vision we pursue, the dream we must fulfil, and the legacy we owe future generations. It is about Jammu Kashmir’s destiny, the society we aspire to build, the values we uphold, and the lives we safeguard. Today, let us pledge that we will not rest until Jammu Kashmir is completely drug-free,” he added.
The Lieutenant Governor said the battle against substance abuse is being fought within homes and communities, and the pledge taken is not merely symbolic. “It is cry of every mother who has seen her child consumed by addiction, and solemn commitment of every father who has watched dreams collapse under weight of drug abuse. It is also promise of every teacher who has witnessed talent and potential fade into silence,” he said.
He said the determination to uproot drugs is a collective resolve of the people, adding that active public participation is the strongest force against narco-terrorism. “Drug traffickers and their networks have targeted our youth. We have taken a solemn oath that we will never allow them to succeed,” he said.
Highlighting the role of society, he stressed the need to involve elders, spiritual leaders and teachers in guiding the youth. “Their vigilance can save lives and serve as powerful weapons against addiction,” he said, while urging young people to stay away from drugs. “Drugs are not ‘cool’ but chains that steal your freedom. Your energy belongs to sports fields, skill platforms, and the building of a brighter future,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor said drug money fuels terrorism and radicalisation, calling it a grave threat to internal security. “Both terrorists and drug traffickers seek to fracture unity, corrode integrity, and destroy peace, while draining the strength of our youth to strike at Jammu Kashmir’s future,” he said.
He said the administration has adopted a three-pronged approach—dismantling supply chains, spreading awareness at the grassroots and rehabilitating addicts with dignity. “We have adopted a 360-degree approach for cracking down on drug peddlers, rehabilitating addicts, training police, raising awareness and mobilising grassroots participation,” he said.
Giving details of the crackdown, the Lieutenant Governor said that between April 11 and May 2, a total of 481 FIRs were registered across Jammu and Kashmir in just 21 days, while 518 drug smugglers and peddlers were sent to jail. He said 24 houses built from proceeds of crime were demolished and properties worth crores seized, with Kashmir accounting for 26 attachments.
He added that authorities have recommended cancellation of more than 300 driving licences, while cancellation of 325 vehicle registrations has also been proposed. Nearly 3,000 drug stores were inspected, resulting in 107 licence suspensions and one FIR.
“These figures highlight how police and civil administration, backed by public cooperation, are enforcing a strict ‘zero tolerance to drugs’ policy aimed at dismantling the supply chain completely,” he said.
Issuing a stern warning, the Lieutenant Governor said the time of drug syndicates and anti-national elements is over. “Our agencies, our administration, and our people stand united to dismantle every smuggling ring and peddler operation. We are tracking the financial trails of drug cartels. Every link will be broken, every mechanism destroyed,” he said.
“I pledge to the people that every trafficker will be exposed, every criminal will face justice, and anyone, inside or outside Jammu Kashmir, who has aided the drug network will be held accountable under the full force of law,” he added.
