• Admin vows stringent action against drug traffickers
• Rehab, counselling, employment support promised for addicts
• Rs 3.85-Cr Yatri Bhawan inaugurated at Kheer Bhawanito boost pilgrim facilities
Ganderbal: Declaring that “narco-terrorists’ days are numbered”, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday said authorities have intensified the crackdown on drug trafficking networks across Jammu and Kashmir, with over 1,100 smugglers arrested and more than 1,000 cases registered during the past 55 days.
Addressing a gathering during the Nasha-Mukt Jammu Kashmir Campaign in Ganderbal, the Lieutenant Governor described the anti-drug drive as a people’s movement against narco-terrorism and warned that those involved in the drug trade would face severe consequences.
According to official figures shared by the Lieutenant Governor, 1,036 FIRs have been registered, 1,128 drug smugglers arrested, more than 100 properties attached, nearly 700 driving licences cancelled and recommendations made for cancellation of passports of 130 alleged drug traffickers since the launch of the campaign.
Sinha said the fight against drugs was no longer confined to law enforcement agencies and had evolved into a mass movement involving citizens across Jammu and Kashmir.
Linking drug trafficking with terrorism, the Lieutenant Governor said proceeds from narcotics smuggling were being used to purchase weapons and sustain terror activities. He termed narco-terrorism a direct threat to society and national security.
“This is not merely a law-and-order issue. Drug money is being used to fund terrorism and destroy the future of our youth. Those involved in narco-terror networks, whether operating from within Jammu and Kashmir or from across the border, are enemies of our people and our progress,” he said.
In one of his strongest warnings yet, Sinha said the administration would relentlessly pursue drug traffickers and dismantle their networks.
“I promise the people that narco-terrorists will no longer find refuge. We will hunt them down. Their networks will be dismantled one by one,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor also said the administration would ensure strict punishment for those responsible for pushing young people towards addiction, asserting that those harming the future of society would be brought to justice.
While stressing enforcement measures, Sinha said the government would adopt a compassionate approach towards individuals battling addiction. He assured rehabilitation, counselling and employment support to help affected youth reintegrate into society.
Calling the campaign a “social revolution”, he urged women and young people to play a leading role in protecting communities from the drug menace and preventing the spread of narcotics in villages, towns and educational institutions.
During the programme, the Lieutenant Governor joined a padyatra organised under the Nasha-Mukt Jammu Kashmir Campaign, launched the “Sindh Samvad” podcast series and felicitated winners of competitions held as part of the anti-drug awareness drive.
Earlier in the day, the Lieutenant Governor inaugurated a newly constructed Yatri Bhawan at the Mata Kheer Bhawani Temple in Tulmulla, Ganderbal, aimed at improving facilities for pilgrims visiting one of Kashmir’s most revered shrines.
Built at a cost of Rs 3.85 crore by the Rural Engineering Wing of the Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Department, the facility comprises a G+II RCC structure with accommodation capacity for around 800 to 900 pilgrims through floor-bedding arrangements.
Sinha said the project would significantly enhance the shrine’s ability to host devotees arriving from across the country and abroad, particularly during the annual Kheer Bhawani Mela and Jyeshtha Ashtami celebrations. He recalled that the foundation stone for the facility was laid on Jyeshtha Ashtami in 2024 following demands raised by delegations of the Kashmiri Pandit community.
Before inaugurating the facility, the Lieutenant Governor paid obeisance at the shrine and prayed for peace, prosperity and the well-being of the people.
During the programme, he also launched the “Sindh Samvad” podcast series and felicitated winners of competitions organised under the Nasha-Mukt Jammu Kashmir Abhiyaan.
