Srinagar: Terming drug trafficking as “silent terrorism” aimed at destroying Jammu and Kashmir’s youth, families and future, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday said that drug peddlers are enemies of the nation and will be dealt with accordingly.
Addressing a gathering at TRC Football Ground here during the ‘Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyaan’ before leading the padyatra, LG Sinha said the anti-drug campaign has transformed into a “Jan Andolan” within just 22 days. “This war is being fought in every home, every mohalla and every lane where drugs are draining the life force of our youth,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor said the oath against drugs is not symbolic but reflects the pain of parents, anguish of families and concern of teachers who have seen young lives getting destroyed.
“This is not just a government pledge. It is the resolve of every mother, every father and every teacher. People have now declared ‘bohat hua, ab aur nahi hoga’,” he said.
LG Sinha said he personally visited eight districts of Jammu division and undertook padyatras, where a unified message emerged from people. “Everyone said, we want our children back, we want our future back. Today I have come to Kashmir to say we will bring it back at any cost,” he said.
He added that the campaign has united generations and sections of society in a collective fight.
NARCO-TERROR ANGLE
Flagging a serious security dimension, the LG said drug trafficking is linked to terrorism. “We are facing a dangerous enemy sitting in our neighbourhood. Drug money is being used to fund terrorism and procure weapons,” he said.
He added that narco networks are targeting the “most creative and productive force, our youth” and trying to weaken families, economy and moral foundations.
“They are introducing new methods and instruments to push drugs into markets. But we will not allow their designs to succeed,” he said.
100-DAY CAMPAIGN
launched from April 11 to involve every citizen in the fight, with 78 days still remaining.
“Every day, every hour is important. We must ensure maximum public participation and make J&K a model drug-free society,” he said.
THREE-FRONT STRATEGY
He said the administration is working on three front. Breaking supply chains. Mass awareness. Rehabilitation of addicts
However, he stressed that “public participation is the biggest weapon.” “Police action and laws alone are not enough unless society stands together,” he said.
MASSIVE CRACKDOWN
Giving figures, the LG said that between April 11 and May 2, over 481 FIRs registered, 518 drug smugglers arrested, 24 narco properties attached; 26 in Kashmir districts, around 300 driving licences suspended. Several licences cancelled; 5 passports cancelled, 325 vehicles seized. 3000+ drug stores inspected. As many as 107 licences suspended; FIR lodged against one.
He said financial transactions of drug syndicates are being tracked and “each link of the network is being broken.”
STRICT WARNING
“I assure the people that every culprit will be identified. Whether inside or outside J&K, anyone linked to drug networks will face the strictest law,” he said.
LG Sinha said that police stations will maintain photo galleries of peddlers and lookout notices are being issued against absconders.
‘NO MERCY FOR GUILTY’
Reiterating zero tolerance, LG Sinha said: “Where there is guilt, there will be no mercy. But the innocent will not be touched.”
He said drug smugglers will be treated like enemies of the country.
“They are enemies of humanity and our youth,” he said.
‘SILENT TERRORISM’
“Some call it crime, but I say it is terrorism silent terrorism. It is poisoning lives, weakening families and destroying society,” he said.
The LG urged people to act as the “eyes and ears” of the administration.
“Prepare lists of drug traffickers and cooperate with police and civil administration. Together we will eliminate this menace,” he said.
He also called upon religious leaders, imams, teachers, women and youth groups to actively participate.
“The time for silence is over,” he said.
He said over 70,000 people have already joined the movement, with women’s committees, youth clubs and social organisations playing a key role.
MESSAGE TO YOUTH
In a direct appeal, LG Sinha said: “Taking drugs is not ‘cool’. Those trapped are victims and must be helped through treatment and compassion.”
“The days of those trying to destroy Jammu and Kashmir are over. We have taken a pledge to make J&K drug-free and we will achieve it with full determination,” he added—(KNO)
