- 1,000 drug peddlers arrested during 51-day drive
- supply chains broken across villages and towns
- awareness, enforcement and rehabilitation efforts intensified
- More than 55 traffickers detained under PIT-NDPS
Kulgam: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday said that the ongoing anti-drug campaign in Jammu and Kashmir is directly targeting the financial backbone of terrorism, asserting that curbing the narcotics trade is essential to weakening terror networks operating in the region.
Addressing a public gathering after leading the Drug-Free J&K Padyatra in Kulgam, he said that every rupee spent on drugs fuels extremist violence and strengthens narco-terror networks.
“This campaign is striking directly at the financial backbone of terrorism. Every rupee spent on drugs fuels extremist violence, and narco-terrorists survive on that blood money. By halting the drug trade, we cut off the lifeline that sustains terror networks,” LG Sinha said.
Calling the fight against drugs a matter of both public health and national security, he said the campaign has evolved into a people’s movement, connecting communities across Jammu and Kashmir with the shared goal of building a drug-free society.
“This campaign belongs to the people. Parents, teachers, religious leaders and young volunteers have stood shoulder to shoulder with the administration. The road ahead is long, and the fight against drugs will require sustained effort, constant vigilance and unity,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor said that 51 days ago, the people of Jammu and Kashmir ignited a spark of change that has now transformed into a powerful movement against drug abuse and trafficking.
He also highlighted the achievements of the ongoing crackdown, and stated that 923 FIRshave been registered against drug traffickers during the last 51 days, while more than 1,000 drug smugglers and peddlers have been arrested across the Union Territory.
LG Sinha said that over 55 drug traffickers have been detained under the PIT-NDPS Act, while authorities have cancelled 668 driving licences and recommended the revocation of 124 passports of individuals linked to narcotics-related activities.
The Lieutenant Governor said that security and law enforcement agencies have carried out coordinated operations across villages and towns to dismantle drug trafficking networks and break supply chains.
“Raids have targeted drug smugglers and peddlers, supply chains have been disrupted, and narco-terror networks have been exposed. We are working with a whole-of-government approach to eliminate this menace from society,” he said.
LG Sinha said the anti-drug drive extends beyond enforcement measures and includes awareness generation, community participation and rehabilitation initiatives aimed at helping addicts reintegrate into society.
“The fight against drugs is not limited to raids and arrests. We are also focusing on public awareness, counselling and dignified rehabilitation so that affected youth can return to the mainstream and contribute positively to society,” he said.
Referring to the broader security implications of the drug trade, the Lieutenant Governor said Jammu and Kashmir had suffered for years from the twin challenges of terrorism and narcotics trafficking, which often operated in tandem.
He credited the anti-drug initiatives launched under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for strengthening efforts to curb narcotics and dismantle networks involved in narco-terrorism.
LG Sinha reiterated the administration’s commitment to creating a fear-free and drug-free Jammu and Kashmir and urged citizens to actively support the campaign by remaining vigilant and cooperating with authorities.
“We must encourage our young people, protect our families and strengthen our communities. Together, we can ensure that the future of Jammu and Kashmir is secure, prosperous and free from the scourge of drugs,” he said.
