“Drug abuse isn’t just a law & order issue but a social cancer requiring every part of society to fight. I urged for “Whole of Government” and “Whole of Society” approach. I believe when the government’s strength and society’s resolve act as one, then even the toughest challenges crumble,” the Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha said on Wednesday.
The Lieutenant Governor said for decades, Pakistan has orchestrated drug smuggling into Jammu Kashmir to fund terrorism and destroy our young generation.
“We will map every hotspot. And I promise you: we will hit each one like a surgical strike. Not a single smuggler will be spared. The entire network will be dismantled,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor was speaking at a public meeting in Ramban as part of the Drug-Free Jammu Kashmir campaign.
Intensifying the crusade against drug menace, the Lieutenant Governor led the Padyatra from District Police Line to District Administrative Complex, Ramban. He was joined by public representatives, senior officials of civil and police administration; civil society members, religious leaders, members of business and trade community; ex-servicemen; prominent citizens, various stakeholders, women, students, youth, and people from different walks of life in large number, who were gathered with resolve to eradicate drug addiction at its roots, transform the society, and secure our youth’s future, he said.
Addressing a massive gathering, the Lieutenant Governor highlighted society’s role in fight against drug menace and called for collective action.
“If the neighbour’s house is on fire, yours is not safe. Because drugs don’t spread like flames but they spread like wind. That’s why a ‘Whole of Society’ response is our only real and potent weapon against drug menace.
I firmly believe when society stands united behind a cause, the law becomes a thousand times stronger. We must build a society where the dealer fears law, and the one who breaks free from drugs feels proud of themselves, their family, their society, and their government,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
The Lieutenant Governor said history proves that organized societies drive change and women’s power plays a crucial role.
“This fight belongs to mothers and sisters, elders, youth, teachers, panchayats, athletes, and elected representatives alike. It is not the job of just one department. Defeating addiction is our collective responsibility,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor called upon every Panchayat and Ward to form women’s vigilance committees.
“Women are the frontline of this war. You know where the household money goes. If anyone in the family showing symptom of addiction, don’t hide it. Don’t call him a criminal. Call him a patient. But that patient needs society’s help, not just four walls,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
The Lieutenant Governor directly addressed the youth and observed that drugs are not cool but they are slavery to drugs and drug dealers.
“Channel your energy into sports fields, art, and in study. In schools and colleges, we will make drugs a symbol of cowardice, not cool. Treatment, identification, and rehabilitation will be our priority,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor emphasised that each drug de-addiction centre must be genuine and equipped with all necessary resources. “Strict monitoring of these centres is essential. If any centre is found operating illegally or causing harm to society and the youth, it must be shut down within 24 hours without any hesitation, irrespective of how influential the individual running it. No one should be spared. Action is already underway against all such centres”, he said.
The Lieutenant Governor directed police officials to break drug supply chains, list all Ramban drug traffickers at police stations and dismantle drug networks.
“The time for silence for society is over. Our divisional and district administration have prepared a comprehensive multi-pronged strategy covering every ward and panchayat. This fight is ours, all of us. If we fail today, future generations won’t forgive us.
Let us make a pledge today that no drug dealer will find shelter in our village or our street. Every addict will be guided toward healing. Every young person’s energy will be channelled toward purpose,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor administered the Anti-Drug Pledge and flagged off a bike rally. A series of awareness programmes inspired citizens to take an active role in the crusade against narcotics.
