• Says ‘Statehood will be restored at appropriate time’
• “Drug money directly fuels terrorism in J&K”
• “NashaMukt Campaign Turning into mass movement”
• “Over 766 FIRs, 856 Arrests in major anti-drug crackdown”
• “Govt to fund treatment, rehabilitation of drug addicts”
• “Terror recruitment reduced from three digits to single digits”
• “Security grid strengthened in Jammu region after infiltration attempts”
• “Indus waters treaty decision to boost economy, hydropower sector”
Srinagar: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has said that the growing menace of drugs in Jammu and Kashmir is directly linked with terrorism and radicalisation, asserting that proceeds generated through narcotics trafficking ultimately finance terror networks operating in the region.
In a detailed interview with private news channel News18 during his ongoing anti-drug outreach campaign, the Lieutenant Governor spoke extensively about the NashaMukt Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyan, the security situation in the Union Territory, counter-terror operations, rehabilitation of drug addicts, border development, restoration of statehood and socio-economic transformation witnessed in Jammu and Kashmir over the past few years.
Speaking about the idea behind his ongoing “Pad Yatra” against drugs, Sinha said the anti-drug campaign was launched after the administration observed an alarming rise in substance abuse among youth in Jammu and Kashmir.
He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had initiated the “NashaMukt Bharat Abhiyan” in 2020 and the Union Home Ministry has consistently worked with states to strengthen anti-drug enforcement. However, he noted that the situation in Jammu and Kashmir had become particularly serious in recent years.
“We were receiving reports almost every day about young boys losing their lives due to drugs. Even girls were getting trapped in addiction. Parents would meet me and express concern over the growing menace. Then we decided that a mass movement should be launched against narcotics,” Sinha said.
The Lieutenant Governor said the campaign was formally launched from Jammu on April 11 and within weeks it evolved into a large-scale public movement with spontaneous participation from all sections of society.
“I have not seen such public participation in any programme during the last six years. Youth, women, senior citizens, religious leaders, academicians, civil society groups and even workers from political parties are joining this campaign voluntarily,” he said.
Sinha maintained that drugs and terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir are interconnected and termed narcotics trafficking a major security challenge.
“The money generated through drug trafficking eventually reaches terror organisations. That money is used to buy weapons, radicalise youth and strengthen terrorism. In Jammu and Kashmir, the drug problem becomes even more dangerous because it is directly linked to terror funding,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor said narcotics are primarily smuggled into Jammu and Kashmir from across the border through areas such as Tangdhar, Gurez, Kathua and Samba. He also revealed that drone-dropping methods are increasingly being used to transport drugs and arms.
Highlighting the government’s crackdown against narcotics trafficking, Sinha said the administration is working on three fronts — dismantling supply chains, generating public awareness and ensuring rehabilitation of addicts.
“We have disrupted more than 90 percent of the supply chain. This is not random action. Lists of top smugglers have been prepared just like lists of top gangsters. Police stations are displaying photographs of major drug smugglers,” he said.
Sharing figures related to the anti-drug campaign, Sinha said that during the last 38 days, police registered 766 FIRs and arrested 856 accused involved in narcotics-related activities.
He said around 677 kilograms of drugs, including over six kilograms of heroin, have been seized during the campaign. In addition, psychotropic substances numbering over 19,400 units have also been recovered.
The Lieutenant Governor further disclosed that authorities have attached 117 properties worth over ₹52 crore under the NDPS Act, while illegal structures and properties valued at approximately ₹178 crore have been demolished.
“Strong action is being taken. Lookout circulars are being issued, passports are being impounded, Aadhaar verification is being conducted and forward and backward linkages are being investigated,” he said.
Sinha said public response to the anti-drug drive has been encouraging and noted that people are voluntarily sharing information about drug peddlers and suspicious activities.
“There was earlier a social stigma and families would hesitate to report addiction cases. But now people are coming forward and using government platforms to inform authorities about addiction and illegal activities in their localities,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor praised Jammu and Kashmir Police and other agencies for conducting the campaign in a “sensitive and professional manner” and assured that no innocent person would be targeted during the crackdown.
“If there is any complaint of injustice, action will be taken. But people themselves are demanding stricter action against drug smugglers,” he added.
Speaking about rehabilitation of addicts, Sinha admitted that rehabilitation remains one of the biggest challenges before the administration. He said the government is finalising a comprehensive policy to ensure treatment, rehabilitation and long-term monitoring of recovering addicts.
“We are planning to track and support rehabilitated persons for three years. We want to connect them with employment opportunities so that they do not return to the same cycle,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor said instructions have already been issued to medical colleges and district hospitals to reserve beds for treatment of drug addicts until dedicated rehabilitation centres are expanded.
“The administration will bear the treatment expenses. We have instructed the Chief Secretary and Finance Department that there should be no shortage of funds for rehabilitation,” he said.
Sinha also linked drug addiction with radicalisation and terror recruitment. Referring to past terror incidents, he claimed that several militants involved in attacks were drug addicts.
“Recruitment into terrorism has now become negligible. Earlier it was in three digits, now it has come down to single digits. Most top commanders of terror outfits have been eliminated,” he said.
Commenting on the security situation after the Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor, the Lieutenant Governor said India’s response under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership was decisive and effective.
“Our Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police and CRPF acted with bravery and ensured that every terrorist involved was neutralised. Security forces demonstrated that India will respond firmly to every act of terrorism,” he said.
Sinha also spoke about the strengthening of the security grid in Jammu division, especially in Kathua, Udhampur and Kishtwar districts where infiltration attempts had increased in recent years.
“When we came to power, Kashmir was the bigger challenge and focus remained there. But later the neighbouring country tried to shift activities towards Jammu. Now the security grid there has also been strengthened and forces are fully prepared,” he said.
On the issue of radicalisation through digital platforms, Sinha said security agencies are closely monitoring encrypted communication applications and adapting to technological challenges.
“Radicalisation today often happens online through encrypted platforms. Security agencies are fully alert and are continuously upgrading their methods to counter emerging threats,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor also highlighted the impact of the “Vibrant Villages Programme” launched for border areas. He said the government is focusing on ensuring that villages near the Line of Control receive infrastructure and development facilities comparable to other regions of the country.
On the Indus Waters Treaty issue, Sinha praised the Centre’s decision to place the treaty “in abeyance” and said the move would benefit Jammu and Kashmir economically in the long run.
He said work has already started on restoration of old canals, desilting of reservoirs and planning of new hydroelectric projects.
“This will transform the economy of Jammu and Kashmir. Hydropower generation will increase significantly and the region can emerge as a major energy hub,” he said.
Reflecting on changes witnessed in Jammu and Kashmir during the past six years, Sinha said peace, development and economic growth have increased substantially.
“Tourism has expanded, highways and rail connectivity have improved and private investment has increased. Agriculture and allied sectors have also witnessed major reforms,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor claimed that a growing number of people in Jammu and Kashmir now see their future with India and cited public protests against terrorism after incidents such as the Pahalgam attack as evidence of a “social and psychological transformation” in society.
Speaking about restoration of statehood, Sinha reiterated that the Centre remains committed to restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir at an appropriate time.
He recalled that Parliament had outlined the roadmap after the abrogation of Article 370 — delimitation first, elections second and restoration of statehood thereafter.
“Delimitation has been completed, elections have been held peacefully and an elected government is functioning. The assurance given by Parliament and the Prime Minister regarding statehood should be trusted,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor also praised the conduct of Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, noting that polling was completed peacefully without major violence or repolling.
Concluding the interview, Sinha said the administration’s two major priorities currently are elimination of narcotics and comprehensive development of border villages.
“Our aim is to completely eradicate drugs and smugglers from Jammu and Kashmir and ensure rapid development of border areas in line with the Prime Minister’s vision,” he said.
