Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday declared that the fight against drugs and narco-terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir has evolved into a people's movement, vowing that the administration would not rest until drug smugglers and narco-terrorists are completely eradicated from the Union Territory.
Addressing a gathering during an anti-drug campaign programme in Ganderbal, the LG said the "Drug-Free Jammu and Kashmir" campaign — launched 55 days ago — aims to protect the youth from addiction and dismantle networks financing terrorism through the narcotics trade.
Sinha described drugs as not merely a social menace but a major source of terror funding, enabling anti-national elements to procure weapons and fuel violence in J&K. He called narco-terrorists "enemies of the people and the youth," warning that those engaged in such activities are already paying a heavy price and would face even stricter action going forward.
Sharing the campaign's progress, the LG revealed that in the past 55 days, 1,036 FIRs have been registered and 1,128 traffickers arrested. Additionally, 63 smugglers have been booked under the Public Safety Act (PSA), more than 100 properties attached, over 700 driving licences cancelled and recommendations made for cancellation of vehicle registrations and passports of 130 major drug smugglers.
The Lieutenant Governor outlined a three-pronged strategy to tackle the menace — dismantling supply chains, creating public awareness and rehabilitating victims of addiction — adding that structures built from illicit proceeds, including those raised on encroached government land, are being demolished.
He appreciated the Ganderbal district administration and police for conducting extensive outreach across villages and panchayats, and reaffirmed the administration's commitment to ensuring treatment, counselling and employment for those affected by addiction.
Seeking public support, Sinha asked the gathering whether they wanted the crackdown to continue — receiving an overwhelming response in favour of stricter action.
"We will not rest until drug smugglers and narco-terrorists are completely wiped out from the soil of Jammu and Kashmir," he declared.
