Srinagar, May 13: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha participated in a ‘Nasha-Mukt Jammu Kashmir Campaign’ Padyatra in Kupwara on Monday, addressing a public gathering and reiterating the administration’s commitment to eradicating the drug menace from the Union Territory.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the campaign, which has been ongoing for over a month, has led to significant actions against the drug smuggling ecosystem. The Lieutenant Governor highlighted the administration’s efforts, stating that civil and police authorities have dealt a substantial blow to drug trafficking networks. Properties worth crores have been seized, assets confiscated, and recommendations have been made for the cancellation of passports for 15 smugglers. Furthermore, over 730 smugglers and peddlers have been arrested as part of the intensified crackdown.
Lieutenant Governor Sinha acknowledged initial skepticism regarding the possibility of a widespread public movement against drugs but emphasized that an awakened citizenry, coupled with determined governance and citizen support, has transformed the initiative into a potent force. He described the campaign as an organic movement that has emerged across villages, urban areas, educational institutions, and streets throughout Jammu and Kashmir, demonstrating significant public participation.
Addressing the deep-rooted connection between drug trafficking and militancy, the Lieutenant Governor stated that these are not separate issues but interconnected threats. He explained that drug smuggling generates funds used to finance militancy, effectively turning both drugs and illicit money against the innocent population of Kashmir. He asserted that by dismantling drug smuggling networks, the administration is severing the financial lifeline that sustains militant activities and destroys families and communities.
The Lieutenant Governor specifically mentioned the situation in Kupwara and Handwara districts, where 28 drug smugglers are currently in custody. He urged police officers, border guards, and the Anti-Narcotics Task Force to ensure no guilty individual escapes accountability. He stressed that Kupwara, as a border district, must maintain heightened vigilance and implement the most stringent actions against drug smugglers.
In a directive aimed at strengthening local enforcement, every police station in Kupwara has been tasked with compiling comprehensive details on active drug smugglers and peddlers within their jurisdiction. Decisive action is to be taken within the next 68 days based on this collected intelligence. The Lieutenant Governor also appealed to the citizens of Kupwara to actively engage in the ongoing awareness drives.
He further underscored the importance of rehabilitation for individuals struggling with addiction, urging officials and stakeholders to treat drug addicts as victims ensnared by the complex web of narcotics. Compassion and support are crucial for those seeking counseling and treatment, with the objective of reintegrating them into mainstream society. Senior officials have been instructed to ensure prompt action on all complaints and tips received through the Manas portal and a dedicated toll-free number. This effort requires unwavering commitment, with a promise to reach out to every young person seeking help.
Challenging critics of the ‘Nasha-Mukt Jammu Kashmir Abhiyan,’ the Lieutenant Governor invited them to identify any instances of innocent individuals being unfairly targeted, assuring that appropriate action would be taken. He posed a rhetorical question about the consequences for those protecting drug smugglers, reinforcing the public’s clear desire for stringent action against them. He expressed confidence that unity among the people would make them an unstoppable force against drug trafficking.
Looking ahead, the Lieutenant Governor announced that the crackdown against drug smuggling networks will intensify. He referenced a meeting with women from Dardpora village who shared accounts of how drug smuggling has funded the weapons used to harm their families, reinforcing his declaration that drug traffickers and militants are inseparable criminal partners.
During the event, Lieutenant Governor Sinha unveiled trophies for the Kupwara Forest League, organized by the Forest Department, and a Volleyball Championship by the Youth Service and Sports department, both held under the ‘Nasha Mukt J&K Abhiyan’. He also felicitated the winner of a reel-making competition focused on the issue of drug abuse.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
