Faith Leaders Strengthen J&K’s 100-Day War on Drugs, Says LG Sinha

SRINAGAR: As the government-sponsored 100‑day anti-narcotics campaign in Jammu and Kashmir entered its 45th day on Monday, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed deep satisfaction over the growing public participation, particularly the involvement of religious leaders who have stepped to the forefront of the “Nasha Mukt J&K Abhiyan.”

Speaking to reporters here, the Lt. Governor said that the active engagement of religious scholars and community elders marks a significant shift in societal awareness, adding that their influence is helping shape a peaceful, informed, and resilient social environment capable of resisting the drug menace.

During his visit to the revered Hazratbal Shrine to review preparations for the upcoming Eid‑ul‑Adha, Sinha said the administration had made comprehensive arrangements to ensure smooth facilities for devotees. He emphasised that officials and coordinators have worked collectively to create an atmosphere where people can celebrate the festival with harmony, comfort, and a renewed sense of brotherhood. “I had come here to see the arrangements so that people can celebrate the festival of brotherhood happily. The administration has tried to make the best arrangements,” he said.

Earlier in the day, while addressing a large gathering in northern town of Bandipora, the Lt. Governor reiterated that “narco-terrorism” and drug trafficking pose one of the gravest threats to J&K. He asserted that the administration would not rest until the region is completely freed from the grip of drugs. In a series of posts on ‘X’, Sinha shared that he joined a Padyatra in Bandipora as part of the “Drug-Free J&K” campaign, interacting directly with citizens.

He recalled that 45 days earlier, he had pledged not only to dismantle the ecosystem of smugglers and narco-terror networks but also to ignite a social movement that restores dignity to families devastated by addiction. “With pride, I can say Jammu Kashmir is united, strong in resolve and clear in purpose and fully committed to freeing our society from drugs once and for all. This action will continue. It will not stop until every drug smuggler is eliminated from the sacred soil of J&K,” he said.

Addressing thousands at a sports stadium in Bandipora during the Mega Padyatra under the ongoing campaign, Sinha warned that drug money is directly fueling terrorism in the region. He said the proceeds from narcotics are being used to fund extremist activities, leaving behind a trail of orphaned children and shattered families. “J&K faces the highest threat from narco-terrorism. Drug money is funding terrorism. Because of terrorism, hundreds of children have been orphaned and many innocent lives have been lost. We will make J&K drug-free and there will be no fear at all,” he declared.

Sinha highlighted that the anti-drug movement has now become a collective mission, drawing participation from all sections of society—women, students, civil society groups, NGOs, religious leaders, lawyers, and ordinary citizens. He also detailed the administration’s intensified crackdown on drug peddlers. Over the last 45 days alone, around 800 FIRs have been registered, nearly 950 individuals arrested, and approximately 850 PIT‑NDPS cases filed. He added that hundreds have been arrested so far, with properties linked to drug networks being attached and driving licences and passports of offenders seized. “There will be no safe haven for narco-terrorism and drug networks in Jammu Kashmir. We will not rest until this menace is completely eradicated,” he said.

The Lt. Governor also emphasised the importance of rehabilitation, noting that youth trapped in addiction must be treated as victims rather than criminals. He said counselling, de-addiction, and reintegration programmes are being strengthened to ensure that affected individuals receive the support they need. “We have to save our future and our youth. Those affected by drugs will be counselled and rehabilitated because they are victims,” he said.

Calling the anti-drug campaign a shared responsibility, Sinha stressed that terrorism and drug trafficking can be defeated only through unity and collective resolve. “When people join together, neither terrorism nor drug peddlers can affect us. This is not just a dream, it is a mission and the government will complete it,” he added.