Jammu, June 6: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday spearheaded a significant anti-drug awareness march, a ‘padyatra’, in the Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir. The event saw a broad spectrum of the local populace pledging their commitment to fostering a society free from narcotics and actively confronting the pervasive menace of drug abuse across the Union Territory.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the drug-free Jammu and Kashmir campaign, which has spanned 19 districts over the preceding 56 days, has resonated deeply with communities, evolving into a robust grassroots movement against substance abuse. The Lieutenant Governor highlighted the collective resolve demonstrated in Kishtwar as the campaign reached its culmination in the district.
“Today, as the drug-free J&K campaign culminates in a massive padyatra in Kishtwar, citizens have resoundingly reaffirmed their commitment to the cause. Our goal is to foster a grassroots resistance against drug abuse and end narco-terrorism,” Sinha stated, emphasizing the unified stand against the illicit trade.
The Lieutenant Governor asserted that the Jammu and Kashmir administration is committed to disrupting the drug trade at all levels, implementing stringent measures against individuals involved in narco-terrorist activities. He stated, “We are breaking the chain of the drug trade at every single link. Whether it is cross-border smugglers, peddlers or terror financiers, there is no haven. Our agencies are hunting down every narco-terrorist and permanently dismantling their networks.”
Sinha underscored the pivotal role of the youth in shaping the future of Jammu and Kashmir, emphasizing the societal obligation to shield young individuals from addiction and to provide them with opportunities to realize their full potential. “Our future belongs to the youth, and it is our collective responsibility to make society drug-free. Jammu and Kashmir’s young leaders are unstoppable when they rise above addiction. Let us empower them to dream bigger, live stronger and lead with purpose,” he urged.
He further called upon mothers, sisters, and daughters to act as guardians of their villages, towns, and neighborhoods, while simultaneously imploring the youth to assume the role of protectors within their schools and colleges in the ongoing struggle against drug abuse.
The anti-drug padyatra in Kishtwar witnessed enthusiastic participation from a diverse group of citizens, including youth organizations, students, members of civil society, and government officials, underscoring the widespread support for the initiative.
The Chenab Times News Desk