LG Manoj Sinha Joins Nasha-Mukt J&K Campaign in Kupwara, Says Crackdown on Drug Networks Will Intensify
Srinagar, May 13 (PTK): Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday joined the Nasha-Mukt Jammu Kashmir Campaign padyatra in Kupwara and said that the ongoing anti-drug movement has dealt a major blow to narcotics networks across the Union Territory.
Addressing a public gathering, the Lieutenant Governor said that over the last 32 days, the civil and police administration have dismantled significant portions of the drug smuggling ecosystem and transformed the campaign into a people’s movement against narcotics.
“Our consistent action is crippling narco-terrorist networks. Properties worth crores have been seized, assets confiscated and passports of 15 smugglers have been recommended for cancellation. More than 730 smugglers and peddlers have been arrested,” Manoj Sinha said.
He stated that many people initially doubted whether a mass movement against drugs could succeed, but public participation and determined governance had turned the campaign into a strong grassroots movement across villages, schools, colleges and urban areas of Jammu and Kashmir.
“With people’s participation and massive support across the Union Territory, a truly organic movement has emerged across villages, urban neighbourhoods, schools, colleges and streets of Jammu Kashmir,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor asserted that drugs and terrorism are interconnected threats and alleged that drug smuggling is being used to finance terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir.
“For decades, people viewed drugs and terrorism as separate threats, but they are the two heads of the same snake. One generates money through drugs while the other uses that money to fuel terrorism,” he said.
He further said that dismantling drug trafficking networks was essential to cutting off financial support for terror activities.
“In Kupwara and Handwara combined, 28 drug smugglers are now behind bars. I urge police officers, security personnel and the Anti-Narcotics Task Force to ensure that not a single guilty person escapes,” he added.
Officials informed that every police station in Kupwara district has been directed to compile details of active drug smugglers and peddlers and initiate strict action within the next 68 days.
The Lieutenant Governor also appealed to the public to actively participate in awareness campaigns and stressed the importance of rehabilitation for drug addicts.
“The drug addicts need compassion and support. We must help every young person seeking counselling or treatment and reconnect them with the mainstream of society,” he said.
He directed senior officials to ensure swift response to complaints and information received through the MANAS portal and toll-free numbers related to drug abuse and trafficking.
The Lieutenant Governor also challenged critics of the campaign to identify any innocent person allegedly targeted unfairly, stating that action would be taken if any such case surfaced.
On the occasion, Manoj Sinha unveiled trophies for the Kupwara Forest League organised by the Forest Department and the Volleyball Championship under the Nasha Mukt J&K Abhiyan. He also felicitated winners of a reel-making competition on drug abuse awareness.(PTK)
