LG Manoj Sinha Leads Anti-Drug Padyatra in Anantnag, Vows Crackdown on Narco-Terror Network
Anantnag, May 09 (PTK): Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday joined a padyatra in Anantnag as part of the ongoing Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir Abhiyaan and called for a united societal effort to eradicate drug abuse and dismantle narco-terror networks operating in the Union Territory.
Addressing a public gathering, the Lieutenant Governor urged people to break their silence against drug addiction and emphasised that the challenge can only be overcome through a “whole of society approach.” He appealed to schools, colleges, families, sports grounds, villages and cultural platforms to actively participate in the campaign during the remaining 71 days.
The Lieutenant Governor highlighted the connection between drug trafficking and terrorism, alleging that narcotics are being smuggled into Jammu and Kashmir from across the border to fund terror and radicalisation activities.
He said that while drugs are destroying the future of youth, the money generated through narcotics is being used to purchase weapons and fuel violence in the region. “Drug addiction and terrorism are not separate challenges but two faces of the same problem,” he asserted, promising that the administration would not rest until the menace is eradicated.
Calling upon police and civil administration, the Lieutenant Governor directed authorities to cover every panchayat of Anantnag, particularly vulnerable areas, during the next phase of the campaign.
Highlighting action taken so far, he said that since April 11, a total of 108 NDPS cases have been registered in Anantnag. He informed that narco-properties worth Rs 3.5 crore allegedly built through drug money have been demolished, while 22 vehicles were seized, eight driving licences and vehicle registrations cancelled, and 13 medical stores sealed for violations.
“I assure the people of Anantnag that not a single smuggler will be left untouched and the entire machinery involved in drug smuggling will be uprooted from its roots,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
He also emphasised the crucial role of women and youth in the anti-drug movement and appealed to youth clubs, teachers, sportspersons and religious leaders to dedicate the next 71 days to awareness and rehabilitation efforts. He urged religious leaders to guide youth morally and spiritually while warning them against the dangers of narcotics.
The Lieutenant Governor reiterated his commitment to ensuring justice for every terror victim family and stressed that the fight against drugs is a collective responsibility of society.
On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor laid the foundation stone for sports infrastructure projects worth Rs 20.60 crore in the district. The projects include Khel Gaon Modern Sports Infrastructure and Khel Bhawan at Jablipora, expansion of sports facilities at Chaki-Kamal Monghal, reconstruction of the sports complex at Nillandrusu and development of a stadium at Harmohalla Ranbirpora.
He said these facilities would help channelise youth energy positively and strengthen the spirit of discipline and sportsmanship. Youth icons were felicitated and sports kits distributed during the event.
Artists also presented traditional Nukad Natak, Baand Pather and mime performances focused on raising awareness about drug abuse and encouraging youth towards a healthy and drug-free society.(PTK)
