Associated News Bureau

LG Sinha Vows to Crush Narco-Terror Network During Anti-Drug Campaign in Pulwama

Srinagar, May 19: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday joined the ongoing Nasha-Mukt J&K Campaign in Pulwama, issuing a stern warning to narco-terror operatives and reaffirming the administration’s commitment to dismantling the drug network across the Union Territory. Addressing a large gathering, the Lieutenant Governor declared that the fight against drugs had evolved into a decisive battle against narco-terrorism, asserting that security agencies would pursue drug traffickers “even in their deepest hideouts.” “Our mission is not limited to arrests alone. We are determined to destroy the entire narco-terror empire and uproot the very system from which this poison spreads,” he said. Highlighting the growing public participation in the anti-drug movement, the Lieutenant Governor said that over the past 39 days, communities across Jammu and Kashmir had broken their silence and united against the menace of drug abuse. “Neighbours have become each other’s support system, and the silence that once prevailed has now transformed into a collective outcry against drugs,” he said. Referring to the situation in Pulwama, the Lieutenant Governor stated that more than 11,000 awareness and outreach events had been organised in recent weeks. He added that FIRs had been registered against 48 drug smugglers, while 56 traffickers had been arrested in the district. “These actions demonstrate that we are striking directly at the roots of terror,” he said. The Lieutenant Governor stressed that drug smuggling in Jammu and Kashmir could no longer be viewed as an ordinary criminal activity, describing drug traffickers and terrorists as “two sides of the same coin.” “Drug smugglers destroy the future of our youth, while terror outfits use the proceeds from narcotics to finance terrorism and radicalisation. Every drug deal not only ruins a young life but also funds violence against innocent citizens,” he said. Reaffirming his administration’s resolve, the Lieutenant Governor said that the government would continue its intensified crackdown on drug trafficking and related terror networks. According to official figures shared during the event, since April 11 nearly 897 drug smugglers and peddlers have been arrested across Jammu and Kashmir. Authorities have also recommended cancellation of passports of 18 traffickers, while driving licences of 382 offenders and registrations of 386 vehicles have been cancelled. The administration has seized 49 immovable properties and demolished 45 structures linked to drug trafficking activities. Additionally, around 5,045 drug stores have been inspected across Jammu and Kashmir, resulting in suspension of licences of 225 stores and cancellation of 27 licences. Officials said that over 393,000 awareness programmes have been conducted across the Union Territory as part of the 100-day anti-drug campaign, with millions participating in outreach initiatives. To strengthen rehabilitation and community monitoring mechanisms, 6,646 village women’s committees and 2,997 youth clubs have also been established across Jammu and Kashmir. Authorities further informed that more than 52,000 individuals have received treatment at addiction treatment facilities so far. Calling for sustained public cooperation, the Lieutenant Governor urged citizens to remain vigilant and united in the fight against drug abuse and terrorism. “Stopping one drug peddler means saving a life, and every life saved weakens terror in the Valley. Together, we will break the chains of addiction and secure a safer future for Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.