SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday participated in the ‘Nasha-Mukt Jammu and Kashmir Campaign’ padyatra in Kupwara and addressed a public gathering, underscoring the administration’s intensified crackdown on drug trafficking networks across the Union Territory.
He said that in the past 32 days, the civil administration and police have taken strong action against the drug smuggling ecosystem, describing the ongoing drive as a people-led movement gaining momentum across Jammu and Kashmir.
According to the Lieutenant Governor, properties worth crores have been seized, assets attached, passports of 15 smugglers recommended for cancellation, and over 730 drug smugglers and peddlers arrested during the campaign period.
He said the initiative, which began in April, had initially been doubted by some, but has now evolved into a widespread public movement with participation from villages, urban areas, educational institutions and youth groups.
The Lieutenant Governor stated that drug trafficking and terrorism are interconnected, alleging that narcotics networks help finance terror activities. He said dismantling these networks would weaken what he described as the financial support system for terrorism.
He further said that in Kupwara and Handwara alone, 28 drug smugglers have been arrested, and directed police, security forces and the Anti-Narcotics Task Force to ensure strict action against all offenders, stressing heightened vigilance in border areas.
Officials have also instructed police stations in Kupwara to compile detailed lists of active drug peddlers and initiate action within a defined timeframe.
The Lieutenant Governor also called for public participation in awareness campaigns and emphasised rehabilitation for drug addicts, describing them as victims requiring counselling and medical support. He urged authorities to ensure timely action on complaints received through official reporting platforms.
He added that criticism of the anti-drug campaign should be substantiated, asserting that public sentiment strongly supports strict action against drug trafficking networks.
During the event, the Lieutenant Governor unveiled trophies for the Kupwara Forest League and a volleyball championship organised under the anti-drug campaign. He also felicitated winners of a reel-making competition on drug awareness.
