Prepare Drug Peddlers Lists, Act In 30 Days: LG To J&K Police

(MENAFN- Kashmir Observer)

• 'Next 3 Months Will Sow Seeds For Lasting Change'

• Calls For Crackdown On Traffickers, Empathy For Victims

Srinagar- Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday launched a people's movement against narcotics under the“Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir Abhiyaan,” calling for a decisive crackdown on drug networks while advocating a compassionate approach towards victims of addiction.

Addressing a massive public rally at Kathua, the Lieutenant Governor directed police officials to prepare 'Top Drug Peddlers' lists at all police stations and dismantle drug networks within 30 days.

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He stressed that a focused and time-bound strategy is essential to eliminate the drug menace from the Union Territory.

“A drug-free Jammu Kashmir will emerge not from one person, but from collective action. Society must realise that drugs don't just kill individuals-they erode entire villages, wards and cities' honour and destiny,” Sinha said.

The Lieutenant Governor flagged off a padyatra from Sports Stadium Kathua to Government Degree College, joined by thousands of citizens, officials, civil society members, students and volunteers, all rallying for a drug-free Jammu and Kashmir.

Calling it a“people's revolution,” Sinha urged every household in Kathua to actively participate in the movement.

“I ignite a people's revolution to eradicate drugs from every panchayat, every alley, every family. This is no dream, it is my unbreakable pledge,” he said.

Outlining a structured roadmap, the Lieutenant Governor said the next three months will be crucial in shaping long-term change.

“We have crafted a 100-day roadmap in six phases. The first month will focus on awareness and mobilisation, the second on deeper community and family outreach, and the third on ensuring sustainability,” he said.

“Next three months won't just run a campaign, they will sow seeds for lasting change in Jammu and Kashmir. The cornerstone of this campaign is compassionate rehabilitation. We must shift our mindset-addicts are patients and they need our help and support,” he added.

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The Lieutenant Governor emphasised the need for accessible and humane rehabilitation centres, asserting that while traffickers must face strict action, those affected by addiction require empathy.

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“We will crack down hard on traffickers and criminals, but those trapped need empathy and mercy. If a youth strays, we must help him recover,” he said.

Warning drug syndicates of stringent action, Sinha said a newly notified Standard Operating Procedure will target smugglers by revoking passports, driving licences, Aadhaar cards and arms licences.

He further said that under the provisions of the NDPS Act, authorities will confiscate both movable and immovable assets, freeze bank accounts and initiate comprehensive financial investigations.

“I want to assure the people that no perpetrator will escape justice,” he said.

The Lieutenant Governor also called upon women's self-help groups to form vigilance squads to monitor drug abuse and report suspicious activities to authorities.

“Government and society must unite for surveillance, strengthen anti-drug support systems, and build drug-free villages and towns. Our police and enforcement agencies have been empowered with full authority to dismantle drug syndicates,” he said.

On the occasion, Sinha administered an anti-drug pledge and launched the“Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir” anthem. The event featured awareness programmes, including cultural performances, nukkad nataks and campaigns by students and artists to mobilise public participation against drug abuse.

Reiterating his call for collective responsibility, the Lieutenant Governor said the future of Jammu and Kashmir will be shaped not by policy documents but by the decisions and resolve demonstrated in the coming months.

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