LG Manoj Sinha Reaffirms Unwavering Resolve to Eliminate Narco-Terror as J&K Marks 100 Days of Drug-Free Campaign
Srinagar, July 21: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday said the successful completion of the 100-day 'Drug-Free J&K Campaign' marked a significant milestone in the Union Territory's fight against drug abuse and narco-terrorism, while asserting that the mission to eradicate the menace was far from over.
Addressing a commemorative event organised by the Department of Social Welfare in Srinagar, the Lieutenant Governor said the administration remained committed to dismantling drug cartels and narco-terror networks targeting the youth of Jammu and Kashmir.
"While this milestone marks significant progress, our mission is far from complete. We are determined to neutralise the drug cartels and narco-terror networks that target our youth. We will continue to strengthen efforts to dismantle illicit trafficking ecosystems, enhance public awareness and provide robust rehabilitation to help affected individuals reintegrate into society," he said.
The Lieutenant Governor said the first 100 days of the campaign had laid a strong foundation for the road ahead, adding that the administration's resolve to completely wipe out narco-terrorism was stronger than ever.
Recalling his extensive outreach during the campaign, Sinha said he travelled across all 20 districts of Jammu and Kashmir, connecting with communities through padyatras and interacting with families affected by substance abuse.
He said the interactions enabled him to understand the pain and concerns of parents while reinforcing confidence that the youth could overcome addiction with collective societal support.
The Lieutenant Governor said the padyatras across every district conveyed a clear message that the administration and society would not allow the future of the youth to be destroyed by drugs.
Highlighting the achievements of the campaign, Sinha said 2,581 drug traffickers were arrested, nearly 1,431 kilograms of narcotic substances, including 23.29 kilograms of heroin, were seized, and assets worth more than ₹188.89 crore linked to the illegal drug trade were confiscated to weaken the financial backbone of narco-terror networks.
He said authorities had also revoked hundreds of driving licences and vehicle registrations, recommended suspension of hundreds of passports, and initiated action against non-compliant pharmacies, sending a strong message that no offender was above the law.
The Lieutenant Governor added that thousands of young people had received treatment and were now rebuilding their lives through rehabilitation and reintegration programmes.
Describing rehabilitation as a key pillar of the anti-drug strategy, Sinha announced that the administration would soon launch the "Rehabilitation and Socio-Economic Reintegration Scheme for Drug Abuse Victims, 2026." The scheme will initially be implemented on a pilot basis in two sensitive districts each of the Jammu and Kashmir divisions.
He said the programme would follow a structured three-year framework, with the first phase focusing on medical treatment and therapy, the second on education, skill development and employment, and the third on long-term relapse prevention through sustained community support.
The Lieutenant Governor said the campaign had awakened a new public consciousness against drug abuse across Jammu and Kashmir and expressed confidence that continued public cooperation would help dismantle narco-terror networks completely.
Warning those involved in the illegal drug trade, Sinha said individuals responsible for destroying the future of young people would face stringent legal action and that the law would deal firmly with offenders.
Calling for greater public participation, the Lieutenant Governor urged citizens to report drug-related activities and support individuals struggling with addiction by guiding them towards treatment and rehabilitation rather than social exclusion.
He said the administration was expanding rehabilitation centres, strengthening counselling services and creating skill development and employment opportunities for individuals completing de-addiction programmes.
Addressing the youth, Sinha appealed to them not to allow drugs to destroy their aspirations and urged them to channel their energy towards nation-building, innovation and progress. He also advised parents to remain vigilant and seek timely assistance if they noticed signs of substance abuse among their children.
The Lieutenant Governor further appealed to teachers, religious leaders and social organisations to sustain the momentum generated during the campaign by spreading awareness about the harmful effects of drug abuse and encouraging disciplined and healthy lifestyles among young people.
He called for transforming the anti-drug campaign into one of India's largest mass movements, aimed at reaching every individual in need, supporting every young person seeking a new beginning and dismantling every drug cartel operating in society.
The Lieutenant Governor expressed gratitude to the civil administration, Jammu and Kashmir Police, law enforcement and security agencies, volunteers, social and religious organisations, youth, women and all stakeholders for their contribution to the success of the campaign.
On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor felicitated outstanding contributors to the campaign and released a Coffee Table Book compiled by the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), documenting the impact of the Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir Campaign.
The programme also featured a documentary screening by DIPR, a thematic skit presented by the Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages (JKAACL), and presentations by the Jammu and Kashmir Police and the Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS), J&K Chapter.
A two-minute silence was observed in memory of the victims who lost their lives in the recent natural calamities in Jammu and Kashmir.
Among those present were J&K Waqf Board Chairperson Dr Syed Darakhshan Andrabi, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat, Special DG Coordination S.J.M. Gillani, Principal Secretary (Home) Chanderkar Bharti, Principal Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor Dr Mandeep K. Bhandari, Commissioner Secretary, Social Welfare, Sarmad Hafeez, Director Information Shreya Singhal, Divisional Commissioners, Deputy Commissioners, senior civil and police officers, representatives of educational institutions, civil society organisations and a large number of youth from across the Union Territory. ANB
