Rajouri, April 18 – Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha participated in a Padyatra and addressed a public rally in Rajouri on Thursday as part of the ongoing ‘Drug-Free J&K’ campaign. The initiative aims to combat the pervasive issue of drug smuggling and addiction, particularly in border districts. The Lieutenant Governor emphasized the administration’s firm resolve to dismantle drug networks and eradicate addiction from society.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that border district Rajouri is particularly vulnerable to cross-border drug trafficking. The Lieutenant Governor stated that the Jammu and Kashmir Police launched a comprehensive crackdown across the Jammu Division on April 11. In the initial days of the campaign, between April 11 and April 15, authorities registered more than 45 First Information Reports (FIRs), apprehended 63 individuals involved in smuggling, and seized significant quantities of narcotics. The intensified checks are now being extended to educational institutions, pharmacies, and drug distribution agencies, with the drive set to continue without respite.
Addressing the public, Lieutenant Governor Sinha highlighted that the battle against drug abuse is being waged on multiple fronts, extending beyond visible conflicts. He acknowledged the long-standing struggle of many families within Jammu and Kashmir to combat addiction within their households, often leading to profound personal loss. The campaign, which commenced on April 11 from Jammu’s MA Stadium, signifies a 100-day concerted effort to address drug addiction comprehensively. The Lieutenant Governor described addiction not merely as a personal failing but as a severe societal affliction, noting its use by adversarial neighbours as an indirect tool to fuel militancy and weaken the nation from within. He expressed confidence that collective action and unwavering public resolve would lead to victory in this crucial battle.
The Lieutenant Governor reported a threefold increase in drug-related cases registered in the seven days leading up to April 11 compared to previous periods. He set a target of 100 days to decisively disrupt drug networks. He asserted that the combined efforts of the public and the administration would leave no room for smugglers or criminals to evade justice. Prevention, he underscored, is a cornerstone of the ‘Drug-Free J&K’ campaign, and he considers proactive measures more effective than subsequent treatments.
Emphasizing the importance of early intervention, the Lieutenant Governor urged efforts to reach children before they encounter drugs, fostering awareness and self-esteem in schools, colleges, playgrounds, and community centers. He called upon the Jammu and Kashmir Police and other enforcement agencies to ensure stringent punishment for drug smugglers and traffickers responsible for poisoning the youth. The administration has developed a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) designed to dismantle drug smuggler networks and expedite the judicial process, ensuring that those who endanger generations are held accountable.
The comprehensive strategy includes detection, counseling, detoxification, rehabilitation, and aftercare, reflecting a commitment to the total reintegration of affected individuals. Officials have been directed to conduct weekly audits, monitoring rehabilitation progress and the apprehension of smugglers, while also taking action against fraudulent rehabilitation centers. The administration aims to restore the dignity of individuals, reconnect them with mainstream society, and empower them to contribute to the development of Rajouri. The Lieutenant Governor appealed to social organizations and NGOs to actively participate in this significant endeavor.
During the event, Lieutenant Governor Sinha administered an anti-drug pledge and inaugurated the Rajouri Premier League and Rajouri Football Club as part of the ‘Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir Abhiyaan’. Artists also utilized musical operas to raise awareness about the detrimental effects of substance abuse.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
