L-G Manoj Sinha Calls for Collective Action to Defeat ‘Narco‑Terrorism’ in J&K
He urged citizens to unite in dismantling what he described as a vast narco‑terror network that has operated for decades.
Srinagar: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has intensified Jammu and Kashmir’s ongoing ‘Nasha Mukht J&K Abhiyan’, warning that the drug menace is no longer just a social evil but a direct threat to security, youth, and the region’s future.
Speaking during a padyatra in southern Pulwama—one of the many mass‑mobilisation events held under the Union Territory’s 100‑day anti‑drug campaign—he stressed that narcotics are destroying families while simultaneously financing terrorism. He urged citizens to unite in dismantling what he described as a vast narco‑terror network that has operated for decades.
The Lt. Governor highlighted that the administration is fully committed to eliminating drug trafficking and addiction, but success requires people’s participation, especially from the youth. The padyatra in Pulwama, once a hotbed of militancy, saw enthusiastic involvement from students, civil society groups, officials, and local residents, all pledging to support the fight against narcotics. Sinha described this mobilisation as a “people’s movement,” calling on citizens to deliver the final blow to drug abuse and protect the younger generation from falling prey to addiction.
He noted that over the past month, a remarkable public awakening has taken place across J&K. “From Baramulla to Jammu, Samba, Udhampur, Kathua, Srinagar, and other districts, tens of thousands have raised their voices against drugs,”, he said, adding that a long‑standing silence around the issue has finally broken, transforming into a loud, collective outcry demanding action.
In Pulwama alone, more than 11,000 local events have been organised in recent days, FIRs have been filed against 48 drug smugglers, and 56 traffickers have been arrested—figures he said demonstrate that authorities are striking at the roots of terror financing.
Sinha emphasised that for decades, drug smuggling in J&K was mistakenly viewed as a localised crime. Today, he said, people must recognise that drug smugglers and terrorists are “two sides of the same coin.” The profits from narcotics, he explained, destroy the futures of young people while simultaneously funding radicalisation and violence. Every drug deal, he warned, not only harms an individual but also strengthens terror outfits. He reaffirmed his resolve to remove drug smugglers and peddlers from the soil of J&K, warning the narco‑terror ecosystem that law enforcement agencies are closing in. “We will hunt you down even in your deepest hideouts,” he said, adding that the mission is not limited to arrests but aims at the complete destruction of the narco‑terror empire.
The scale of the ongoing anti‑drug campaign underscores the administration’s aggressive approach, officials said. Since 11 April, 897 drug smugglers and peddlers have been arrested, they disclosed adding that the concerned authorities have recommended cancellation of passports for 18 traffickers, revoked 382 driving licenses, and cancelled registrations of 386 vehicles linked to drug crimes. As per official statistics, forty‑nine immovable properties have been seized and 45 demolished. Nearly 5,045 drug stores have been inspected across both divisions of the Union Territory, resulting in suspension of 225 licenses, cancellation of 27, and FIRs against six establishments.
The campaign has also focused heavily on awareness, rehabilitation, and community‑level vigilance. From April 11 to date, around 393,000 awareness and outreach programs have been conducted, engaging millions of people. To strengthen grassroots monitoring, 6,646 village women’s committees and 2,997 youth clubs have been formed. More than 100 helpline calls are being received daily, and over 52,000 individuals have received treatment at addiction recovery facilities.
As the 100‑day campaign entered its 39th day, the Lt. Governor urged people to remain vigilant and united. He reminded citizens that stopping even one peddler can save a life and weaken the terror network. What began as a dream of a drug‑free J&K, he said, is now becoming a reality through collective resolve and action.