In Jammu, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has announced a major effort to eliminate drug abuse throughout the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. On April 11, he initiated a widespread public campaign called ‘Drug-Free Jammu Kashmir’ at MAM Stadium.
Sinha started a awareness march and participated alongside elected officials, government personnel, and numerous residents, walking from the stadium to Parade Ground. This event kicked off a 100-day intensive program under the Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir initiative.
During his speech to the audience, the Lieutenant Governor stated that the effort represents a unified commitment to spread throughout every community in the territory, achieving the goal of a region without drugs. He highlighted that the upcoming three months would be crucial, with the program divided into six stages: focused awareness efforts, activities targeting young people, community involvement, rigorous law enforcement, support for recovery, and assessment. The administration plans to adopt a coordinated government-wide strategy to address the drug issue in Jammu and Kashmir.
He stressed that combating drug addiction requires shared effort from everyone. Sinha pledged that the government would prevent any young person, household, or aspiration from being ruined by addiction. He noted that statistics on drug addiction represent more than numbers; they reflect personal narratives, family hardships, and suffering.
The Lieutenant Governor described the drug-free campaign as needing active involvement rather than just concern, viewing it as a societal problem affecting all. He called for joint determination to overcome drug abuse.
Sinha identified drug abuse as one of the most serious issues facing Jammu and Kashmir, affirming the administration’s dedication to tackling and defeating it. Through a three-month public initiative across the territory, the goal is to educate individuals and encourage their active role in turning knowledge into accountability.
He promised strong measures against those trafficking drugs to liberate the Union Territory from this threat. Sinha warned that individuals harming society would face severe legal consequences. He accused a neighboring country, implying Pakistan, of using border smuggling to harm local communities and threaten national progress. Every official must work to halt this, with full legal action against traffickers and the immediate dismantling of their operations.
In a firm directive, the Lieutenant Governor announced that properties of drug traffickers would be seized, leaders would be charged, and penalties imposed quickly. The government will take possession of all assets, cancel licenses, passports, identification documents, and suspend financial accounts for those implicated. This enforcement against traffickers is intended to have a lasting impact.
A new standard operating procedure has been established for handling drug traffickers. It includes revoking passports, driving permits, identification numbers, and firearm authorizations for those engaged in smuggling. For fugitives, lookout notices will be issued promptly. Furthermore, their assets will be seized under relevant laws, accounts frozen, and financial probes initiated.
On April 2, regulations were introduced for treatment, counseling, and rehabilitation facilities in Jammu and Kashmir dealing with substance use disorders, set for 2026. These ensure centers are legitimate, focused on patient care, properly staffed, and regularly supervised. Violations or operations without adequate personnel will face penalties.
The Lieutenant Governor instructed senior officials to respond quickly to reports and enhance local information gathering through village councils, neighborhood groups, watchmen, village heads, and monitoring committees to detect and penalize offenders.
He emphasized that the success of the drug-free initiative depends on unified efforts. When agencies collaborate with common objectives, results are achieved. Since the start of 2021, the administration has shifted from planning to implementation, reaching underserved areas, involving students in educational settings, and improving recovery options. No one is left to face this challenge in isolation; the government remains fully supportive.
Sinha urged young people, social activists, local leaders, educators, women, and sports figures to join in large numbers, as they represent the core and future of the movement. Over the next three months, the initiative aims to create enduring improvements. Activities such as sports events against drugs, discussions to build determination among youth, and knowledge-based competitions will promote understanding. Efforts will also include mapping areas affected by drugs.
