Drug Addiction, Terrorism Two Faces Of Same Problem: J & K LG

(MENAFN- Kashmir Observer)

• Says 108 NDPS Cases Registered in Anantnag Since April 11; Properties Worth Rs 3.5 Cr Razed

• Calls for Whole-of-Society Fight Against Drugs; Assures Tough Action on Smugglers

Srinagar- Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday said drug addiction and terrorism were“two faces of the same problem,” asserting that narco-money was being used to fuel terror activities and radicalisation in Jammu and Kashmir.

The LG made the remarks while joining a padyatra in south Kashmir's Anantnag district as part of the“Drug-Free J&K Campaign”, where he called for a collective societal response against the growing drug menace.

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Addressing a gathering, Sinha appealed to people to“break the silence” and join hands with the administration in the fight against drugs.

“The challenge of drug addiction can be eradicated only through a whole-of-society approach. From schools, colleges and families to sports grounds, villages and theatre stages, every corner of Jammu and Kashmir must raise its voice against drugs with firm resolve,” he said.

Linking narcotics to militancy, the LG alleged that Pakistan was smuggling drugs into Jammu and Kashmir“by design” and said proceeds from the trade were being used to finance terrorism.

“Drug addiction and terrorism are not separate challenges but two faces of the same problem. While drugs are destroying the future of our youth, terror outfits are using that money to buy weapons and spread violence,” he said.

Read Also Over 1 Cr Join Anti-Drug Campaign Across J&K: Govt Budgam Stray Dog Killing Triggers FIR, Divides Social Media

Sinha said authorities had intensified the crackdown against drug networks in Anantnag district, claiming that 108 NDPS cases had been registered there since April 11.

“A decisive blow is being dealt to the drug smugglers' network in Anantnag. Narco-properties worth Rs 3.5 crore built from drug money have been reduced to dust. Twenty-two vehicles have been seized, eight driving licences and vehicle registrations cancelled, while 13 drug stores have been sealed for violating the law,” he said.

The LG asserted that“not a single smuggler will be left untouched” and said the entire machinery involved in drug trafficking would be uprooted.

He directed the police and civil administration to cover every panchayat in Anantnag over the next 71 days and focus particularly on vulnerable areas as part of the anti-drug campaign.

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Highlighting the role of society, Sinha said women and youth were the biggest strength in the fight against drug abuse and urged families, youth clubs and local communities to help rehabilitate addicts and prevent young people from falling prey to narcotics.

He also appealed to sportspersons, teachers and religious leaders to dedicate the coming weeks to awareness and rehabilitation efforts under the“Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir Abhiyaan.”

On the occasion, the LG laid the foundation stone for sports infrastructure projects worth Rs 20.60 crore in Anantnag district, including facilities at Jablipora, Chaki-Kamal Monghal, Nillandrusu and Harmohalla Ranbirpora.

“These sports facilities will channel the energy of youth in the right direction and strengthen discipline and sportsmanship,” he said.

Sinha also felicitated youth icons and distributed sports kits among young participants.

As part of the programme, local artists staged traditional Baand Pather, Nukad Natak and mime performances to spread awareness about the harmful effects of drug abuse and encourage youth participation in building a drug-free society.

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