LG Manoj Sinha Joins Drug-Free J&K Campaign Padyatra in Baramulla, Launches Two New Anti-Drug Initiatives

Srinagar, May 12 (PTK): Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday joined the Drug-Free Jammu Kashmir campaign in Baramulla and announced two major initiatives under the ongoing anti-drug campaign — the Community Immunization Program against drugs and the Family Fortress Initiative.

Participating in a padyatra and interacting with citizens, the Lieutenant Governor said the new initiatives would strengthen the fight against drug abuse over the next 69 days through active public participation and community involvement.

Explaining the Community Immunization Program, Manoj Sinha said that just as communities are educated to fight diseases through vaccination, a similar social awareness framework would now be created against drugs in 5 to 10 high-risk hotspot areas in every district.

“I urge schools, mosques, temples, gurdwaras and NGOs to dedicate one hour every week to strengthen this initiative through awareness campaigns. It will act as an early warning system and help transform hotspot areas into drug-free zones,” he said.

The Lieutenant Governor said the second pillar, the Family Fortress Initiative, would focus on strengthening family and community bonds as a shield against drug addiction.

“Over the next 69 days, every school, college and place of worship in Jammu and Kashmir should host weekly family dialogues on drugs. These conversations must be open and honest and should help identify and bridge gaps in the anti-drug campaign,” he added.

Highlighting the achievements of the ongoing Drug-Free Jammu Kashmir Campaign, Manoj Sinha said that more than 2.35 lakh awareness and outreach programmes had been conducted across the Union Territory in the past 31 days.

He said over 44,000 OPD patients had received treatment, nearly 700 drug smugglers and peddlers had been arrested and strict action had been taken against the narcotics supply chain.

“Authorities have targeted financial transactions linked to drug cartels and seized properties worth crores built using drug money. Nearly 300 driving licences and more than 400 vehicle registrations linked to drug smugglers have been recommended for cancellation,” he said.

The Lieutenant Governor further said that more than 3,300 drug stores had been inspected and around 150 licences suspended for violating regulations. Nearly 3,000 CCTV cameras have also been installed at drug stores across Jammu and Kashmir.

He added that several drug traffickers had been booked under the PIT-NDPS Act and assured that every financial network linked to narcotics trafficking would be dismantled.

“We will chase every rupee, every asset and every shell company connected with drug traffickers and ensure the harshest punishment for those destroying the future of our youth,” he said.

Calling the campaign a people’s movement, the Lieutenant Governor said unprecedented public participation had made the initiative one of the largest social awareness movements in Jammu and Kashmir.

He also stressed the need to address addiction through treatment, rehabilitation and compassion rather than stigma.

“We do not shame patients suffering from diseases into recovery. Similarly, addicts must be treated with dignity and brought back into the mainstream through care, counselling and collective support,” he added.(PTK)