Kupwara, May 13 (KNS): Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday joined the ‘Nasha-Mukt Jammu Kashmir Campaign’ in Kupwara, asserting that the ongoing people’s movement against drugs has transformed into a revolution.
Over the past 32 days, the civil and police administration has struck a devastating blow to the entire drug smuggling ecosystem, Sinha said while addressing a public gathering.
“Our consistent action is crippling narco-terrorist networks. Properties worth crores have been seized, assets confiscated, and passports of 15 smugglers recommended for cancellation. Over 730 smugglers and peddlers have been arrested,” the LG said.
He noted that at the start of the campaign in April, many had doubted the possibility of a mass movement against drugs. “They underestimated the strength of an awakened public and the impact of determined governance with citizen support,” he said.
With people’s participation across the Union Territory, a truly organic movement has emerged in villages, urban neighbourhoods, schools, colleges and the streets of Jammu and Kashmir, the LG added.
Sinha further underlined that drugs and terrorism are not separate problems but “two heads of the same snake.” He alleged that the country’s “terrorist neighbour” is involved in financing terror through drug smuggling, turning both narcotics and money against innocent Kashmiris.
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“One head makes money through drugs while the other uses that money to fuel terrorism,” the LG said, while asserting that the fight against drugs is a long one.
In border district Kupwara, he said 28 drug smugglers are now behind bars, with every police station directed to gather details on active peddlers and launch decisive action within the next 68 days.
The LG urged citizens to participate in the awareness drive, while calling for compassion towards addicts. “Drug addicts need our compassion. They are our responsibility. We must ensure they return to society’s mainstream,” he said.
Challenging critics of the ‘Nasha-Mukt Jammu Kashmir Abhiyan’, Sinha asked them to name even one innocent person who has been unfairly targeted. “The people of Jammu Kashmir are very clear and firm. They want stringent action against drug smugglers. When the people unite, no force can stop us,” he said.
He noted that in the days ahead, the crackdown against the drug smuggling network will grow tougher and more powerful. The LG also unveiled trophies for a forest league and a volleyball championship, and felicitated winners of a reel-making competition on drug abuse. (KNS)