Narco Money Ends Up Fuelling Terror, Radicalisation : LG

(MENAFN- Kashmir Observer)
J&K LG Manoj Sinha

• Sinha To Lead 'Nasha Mukt J&K' Padyatra In Srinagar Today

• Plans 3-Year Rehab Tracking; Says Licences & Passports At Risk For Peddlers

Srinagar- Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday said drug trafficking in Jammu and Kashmir has a direct link with terrorism, asserting that money generated through the illegal trade ultimately fuels radicalisation.

“Some drug traffickers might be building narco palaces, becoming economically prosperous. But ultimately, most of the money ends up fuelling terrorism and radicalisation,” Sinha said during an informal chat with journalists at the Raj Bhavan here on Saturday.

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Ahead of a 'Nasha Mukt J&K' padyatra scheduled in Srinagar on Sunday, the LG said he will lead the march from the TRC astroturf football ground to Lal Chowk as part of a wider campaign against drug abuse.

He said the administration is working on a comprehensive three-year monitoring programme to rehabilitate drug abuse victims.“We are creating a detailed rehabilitation plan so that if someone comes out of addiction, they can be tracked for three years and provided full support for reintegration,” he said.

While acknowledging the need for more de-addiction centres, Sinha said immediate focus is on strengthening existing facilities. The Health Department has been directed to ensure adequate OPD and IPD services for those undergoing treatment in hospitals.

On enforcement, the LG outlined a series of stringent measures aimed at drug peddlers under a newly issued SOP. He said those found involved in trafficking would face criminal prosecution along with administrative penalties, including cancellation of driving licences and vehicle registrations.

“If they have passports, we will recommend their cancellation. Their bank accounts will be frozen, Aadhaar-linked actions will be taken, and in case of absconding, lookout notices will be issued,” he said, adding that properties of offenders would also be attached under provisions of the NDPS Act.

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Sinha said the administration is also engaging religious leaders and civil society to build awareness and strengthen the social response to drug abuse.“This fight cannot be won by the government alone. When the police's baton, the fear of law and the power of society come together, success becomes easier,” he said.

The LG had launched a 100-day anti-drug campaign on April 11 from MA Stadium in Jammu. According to him, padyatras have already been conducted in eight districts of the Jammu division, with significant public participation.

“In just 21 days, the impact is visible. Around 50 to 60 lakh people have taken part in various awareness campaigns so far,” he said, noting an increase in registration of cases and intensified enforcement across both Jammu and Kashmir divisions.

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The Srinagar padyatra on Sunday is expected to mark a key phase of the campaign, with the administration aiming to sustain momentum through a combination of rehabilitation, awareness and strict legal action against drug networks.

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